By Peter Luzinda
NATIONAL
The Ministry of Education and Sports has suspended all school educational trips and excursions following a fatal bus accident in Kapchorwa District that killed 21 people, including 20 pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje.
Acting Education Minister, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo issued the directive on Friday, 17th July, 2026 as the government launched a review of safety measures governing school travel across the country.
The accident occurred on Thursday evening when the school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, was returning from an educational tour at Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa.
Police said the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, causing the bus to leave the road, hit a large stone and overturn.
According to eyewitnesses, the Isuzu bus flipped with the driver losing control and hitting a roadside stone. Among the 21 dead was school founder Tadeo Ssekade; 44 pupils were injured and treated at nearby hospitals, where local mothers volunteered blankets and comfort.
Police Traffic Spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura confirmed that the number of fatalities had risen to 21, with the victims comprising 20 pupils and one adult. Several other passengers survived and were admitted at Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary for identification and postmortem examinations as investigations into the accident continue.
Focus Turns to School Transport Safety
The suspension of school trips has renewed concerns about the safety of children travelling for educational activities. Stakeholders have previously raised concerns over issues such as overloaded vehicles, poor maintenance, inexperienced drivers and weak enforcement of transport regulations.
Government officials are now expected to review existing guidelines on school excursions, including requirements for vehicle inspection, driver licensing, emergency preparedness and supervision of learners during trips.
The Ministry of Works and Transport is also holding discussions on road safety measures following the tragedy, with officials expected to outline additional interventions.
The Kapchorwa crash has become one of the deadliest recent accidents involving schoolchildren in Uganda and has intensified calls for stronger accountability among schools, bus operators and regulators.
Authorities have called for calm as investigations continue and pledged that findings from the inquiry will guide measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
