The government has suspended all school trips and educational excursions across Uganda with immediate effect following the fatal road crash that has claimed the lives of 21 pupils from King David Junior School, Ndejje, in Makindye-Ssabagabo.
The announcement was made on Friday by Acting Education Minister Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo as grief continued to engulf the school community. The school has since been closed for two weeks to allow pupils, staff and families time to mourn.
Dr. Muyingo said educational trips remain an important component of learning but stressed that they should never come at the expense of children’s safety.
“The suspension will remain in force while the Ministry reviews the existing guidelines governing school trips and introduces stronger safety measures for learner transportation,” he said.
The minister directed the Permanent Secretary to urgently review all policies regulating school trips and educational excursions.
He also reminded schools to strictly comply with safety requirements, including using only roadworthy and licensed vehicles operated by qualified drivers with proven safety records.
Other mandatory measures include conducting comprehensive risk assessments, obtaining all necessary approvals before travel, keeping parents fully informed, avoiding overnight journeys, ensuring drivers are well rested, and maintaining adequate teacher-to-learner supervision throughout the trip.
The Ministry of Education said it is working closely with the Uganda Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and other relevant agencies to investigate the recent crashes involving schoolchildren and strengthen measures to prevent similar tragedies.
At King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye-Ssabagabo, scenes of grief unfolded on Friday as anxious parents gathered at the school seeking information about their children. Many surrounded Dr. Muyingo upon his arrival, 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 suspension, many parents had already begun withdrawing their children from planned school trips, citing growing concerns over learner safety following a series of road accidents.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday evening in Kapchorwa District as the pupils were returning from an educational tour to Sipi Falls.
Preliminary reports indicate that the school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, developed a mechanical fault before crashing along the steep Chekwatit Hill, one of the country’s notorious accident black spots.
Initially, 19 people died at the scene. However, two more pupils later succumbed to their injuries at Kapchorwa General Hospital on Friday morning, bringing the death toll to 21.
Authorities fear the number could rise further as several survivors remain on life support.
According to Kapchorwa District Health Officer Dr. Siraji Masai, 19 critically injured victims have 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 Uganda Police have released the names of some of the victims.
They include the school director, Ssekade Tadeo, Amal Draxler G., Kiyimba M., Mustwala Eyem, Nyang Sunday, Ihanga, Ocholu and Joshua G. Police said 11 other bodies had not yet been formally identified by Friday morning as efforts to notify families continued.
By Olivia Nabaggala
17th July 2026
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