The government has suspended all school trips and educational excursions across Uganda with immediate effect following the fatal road crash that claimed the lives of nearly 20 pupils from King David Junior School in Makindye.
The announcement was made on Friday by Acting Education Minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo as grief continued to grip the school, which has since closed for two weeks to allow pupils, staff and families time to mourn.
He said educational trips remain an important part of learning but stressed that they should never compromise the safety of children.
“As an immediate precautionary measure, all school trips and educational excursions are hereby suspended with immediate effect until further notice,” he announced. The suspension will remain in force while the ministry reviews existing guidelines and introduces stronger safety measures for school travel.
Dr Muyingo directed the Permanent Secretary to urgently review all policies governing school trips and excursions. Schools have also been reminded to strictly follow safety requirements, including using only roadworthy and licensed vehicles driven by qualified drivers with good safety records.
Other measures include carrying out proper risk assessments, obtaining all necessary approvals, keeping parents fully informed, avoiding overnight travel, ensuring drivers are well rested, and maintaining appropriate teacher-to-learner supervision throughout the journey.
The Ministry of Education said it is working with the Uganda Police, the Ministry of Works and Transport and other relevant agencies to investigate the recent crashes and strengthen measures to prevent similar tragedies.
At King David Junior School Ndejje in Makindye – Ssabagabo, the pain was evident as anxious parents gathered on Friday, many still searching for information about their children. Some surrounded Dr Muyingo when he arrived, pleading for answers.
The school’s Director of Studies later announced a two-week closure to allow learners, staff and families time to grieve and recover from the tragedy. Even before the government’s decision, many parents had already begun withdrawing their children from school trips, citing growing concerns about safety following a series of accidents involving learners.
The latest tragedy occurred on Thursday evening 16th July 2026 in Kapchorwa District as pupils were returning from a study tour to Sipi Falls. Preliminary reports indicate that the school bus developed mechanical problems during the journey.
21 pupils have died after two more pupils succumbed to injuries this morning Friday 17th July 2026 at Kapchorwa General Hospital.
The victims were pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, who were returning from a study tour when their school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, reportedly developed a mechanical fault and crashed along the steep Chekwatit Hill, one of the country’s known accident black spots killing 19 people on spot.
According to Kapchorwa District Health Officer Dr. Siraji Masai, 19 critically injured victims have since been referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialized treatment, while dozens of others remain admitted at Kapchorwa General Hospital and nearby health facilities.
Meanwhile, the Police have released the names of some of the victims of the tragic school bus crash they include Ssekade Tadeo, the school director, Amal Draxler G, Kiyimba M, Mustwala Eyem, Nyang Sunday, Ihanga, Ocholu, and Joshua G. Police said eleven other bodies had not yet been formally identified by Friday morning.
By Newsroom
17th July 2026
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