UNICEF Calls for Urgent Action on School Transport Safety After Bus Crash

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1228 EAT on Thursday 23 July 2026

UNICEF has called for stronger measures to protect children on Uganda’s roads following the recent school bus crash in Kapchorwa that claimed 26 lives, most of them pupils returning from an educational trip.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr Robin Nandy, described the deaths as “preventable” and urged authorities, schools and communities to strengthen efforts to ensure children travel safely to and from school.

The victims were pupils and staff of King David Junior School, who were returning from an educational excursion to tourist sites, including Sipi Falls, when their bus crashed in Kapchorwa.

According to UNICEF, the deceased included 21 pupils and five members of staff, among them the school’s director, Tadeo Ssekadde.
“On behalf of UNICEF, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families, classmates and communities affected. No parent should send a child to school and never see them return home,” Nandy said.

The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of school transport safety, particularly during educational trips that require children to travel long distances.

UNICEF said every child has the right to travel to school and return home safely, stressing that road safety is not only a transport issue but also a children’s rights issue because it directly affects children’s survival, education and right to a safe environment.

The agency welcomed measures already taken by the Ugandan government in response to the crash, including heightened enforcement of traffic regulations and action by the Ministry of Education and Sports to suspend all school trips pending a review and strengthening of guidelines governing school travel.

Under the revised measures, schools have been reminded to use only roadworthy, licensed vehicles operated by qualified and well-rested drivers.

UNICEF also urged all stakeholders to prioritise child safety by ensuring strict compliance with transport regulations and adopting preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

-Observer

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here