Kampala, Uganda: The Ministry of Education and Sports has suspended all school trips and educational excursions across the country with immediate effect following a series of fatal road accidents involving learners.
The directive was announced on Friday morning by Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon John Chrysestom Muyingo, who said the temporary suspension will remain in force until the ministry completes a comprehensive review of school trip and excursion safety guidelines.
Muyingo expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent tragedies and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“The Ministry of Education and Sport is deeply disheartened by the recent road accidents involving school trips. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a full and speedy recovery to all those who were injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected schools and communities during this very difficult time.”
“The safety and well-being of our children and students remains our highest priority as government. While education trips are an important part of learning, they must never compromise the safety of our children,” he added.
Effective immediately, Hon Muyingo announced that all school trips and educational excursions are suspended until further notice.
“As an immediate precautionary measure, all school trips and educational excursions are hereby suspended with immediate effect until further notice.”
He explained that the suspension will enable the ministry to strengthen existing safety measures before schools are allowed to resume educational travel.
“This temporary suspension will remain in force while the Ministry conducts a comprehensive review of the existing school trips and excursion guidelines and puts in place strengthened safety measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of our learners.”
The Acting Minister said he has instructed the Permanent Secretary to immediately review the current regulations governing school trips and excursions. He reminded all schools to continue observing existing safety requirements whenever transporting learners, including ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy and properly licensed.
Schools have also been urged to use only qualified and licensed drivers with proven safety records, conduct comprehensive risk assessments before every trip, obtain all necessary authorisations and inform parents or guardians, and avoid overnight travel.
Additionally, administrators must ensure drivers are well-rested before journeys and maintain adequate teacher-to-learner supervision throughout every trip.
Muyingo further noted that the Ministry is working with the Uganda Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and other relevant agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the recent accidents and strengthen measures to prevent similar incidents.
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