Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 870
- 489
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ministry of Education and Sports, alongside partner ministries, unveiled updated regulations aimed at curbing road carnage during school excursions.
Under the new SOPs, school trip approvals must be secured at least 21 days prior to departure, with copies submitted to both the District Police Commander (DPC) and the Regional Traffic Officer.
Headteachers or designated staff must pre-drive the intended route 48 hours in advance to map out hospitals, police posts, and fueling stations every 50 kilometers. Furthermore, every trip must be accompanied by two qualified drivers and two designated teachers on duty.
The vehicle requirements are equally strict. Buses used to transport learners must be under 10 years old, possess a valid Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) license, hold a School Trip Permit, and carry comprehensive insurance with a minimum passenger liability cover of Shs 50 million per child.
Mandatory roadworthiness fitness checks must be conducted less than 14 days before the trip, and a full mechanical inspection report from a designated Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) garage must be issued 24 hours prior to departure.
Additional vehicle specifications include:
• Safety Equipment: Functional fire extinguishers (3 per bus), two first-aid kits, warning triangles, toolboxes, spare tires, seatbelt cutters, and tested 3-point seatbelts for every seat.
• Tech & Speed: Internal CCTV recording with 30-day storage, vehicle tracking devices, a strict speed limit cap of 70 km/h, and door alarms that sound if an emergency exit opens while moving.
• Capacity: Maximum seating capacity capped at 40, with one mandatory empty seat for every 10 learners for emergencies. Overloading, standing passengers, and roof luggage remain strictly prohibited.
Drivers must hold a valid Class D/E driving license, a PSV badge, a defensive driving certificate, at least five years of experience, and a clean driving record free of accidents for the past three years. Additionally, drivers must undergo full medical screening and drug/alcohol testing 12 hours prior to takeoff.
Source: Daily Monitor.
Under the new SOPs, school trip approvals must be secured at least 21 days prior to departure, with copies submitted to both the District Police Commander (DPC) and the Regional Traffic Officer.
Headteachers or designated staff must pre-drive the intended route 48 hours in advance to map out hospitals, police posts, and fueling stations every 50 kilometers. Furthermore, every trip must be accompanied by two qualified drivers and two designated teachers on duty.
The vehicle requirements are equally strict. Buses used to transport learners must be under 10 years old, possess a valid Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) license, hold a School Trip Permit, and carry comprehensive insurance with a minimum passenger liability cover of Shs 50 million per child.
Mandatory roadworthiness fitness checks must be conducted less than 14 days before the trip, and a full mechanical inspection report from a designated Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) garage must be issued 24 hours prior to departure.
Additional vehicle specifications include:
• Safety Equipment: Functional fire extinguishers (3 per bus), two first-aid kits, warning triangles, toolboxes, spare tires, seatbelt cutters, and tested 3-point seatbelts for every seat.
• Tech & Speed: Internal CCTV recording with 30-day storage, vehicle tracking devices, a strict speed limit cap of 70 km/h, and door alarms that sound if an emergency exit opens while moving.
• Capacity: Maximum seating capacity capped at 40, with one mandatory empty seat for every 10 learners for emergencies. Overloading, standing passengers, and roof luggage remain strictly prohibited.
Drivers must hold a valid Class D/E driving license, a PSV badge, a defensive driving certificate, at least five years of experience, and a clean driving record free of accidents for the past three years. Additionally, drivers must undergo full medical screening and drug/alcohol testing 12 hours prior to takeoff.
Source: Daily Monitor.
