Growing Concerns Over School Trips in Uganda
Parents across Uganda are expressing deep concern following a tragic school trip that resulted in the deaths of two pupils and left 11 others injured. The incident has sparked a wave of outrage, with many calling for stricter regulations on school excursions in primary and secondary schools.
The emotional toll on families is evident as they recount their experiences. Ruth Asiimwe, a mother from Mukono district, described encountering a group of exhausted and hungry schoolchildren at a local hotel during lunchtime. These students had traveled all the way from Entebbe, only to be served a modest meal after paying a steep fee of sh700,000 for the trip. Some children were seen crying from hunger, while the hotel staff appeared more focused on other customers. In a gesture of compassion, Asiimwe gave one child her own food, questioning what lessons such trips could possibly teach.
Peter Onek, another parent, suggested that school trips should be reserved for older pupils, starting from Primary Six. He emphasized the need for reasonable and transparent charges. Other parents echoed similar frustrations, pointing out issues such as poor transport standards and safety lapses. Paul Kamya highlighted the dangers of schools hiring vehicles in poor mechanical condition, urging for clear regulations on vehicle types and driver vetting.
David Kugonza shared a harrowing experience where a school bus carrying his son caught fire during a trip to Murchison Falls National Park. Instead of canceling the trip, the school found another bus and continued. This incident has made Kugonza reluctant to allow his child to go on long-distance trips again.
Financial exploitation is also a major concern. Doreen Ayebale acknowledged the educational value of trips but stressed the urgent need for regulation to prevent excessive costs. Juliet Kitonsa recounted a situation where a school asked parents to pay sh60,000 for a school party, offering minimal entertainment and little value for the money.
These concerns have intensified following a tragic accident on August 2, 2025, on Mityana road, where two pupils from Daystar Junior School died while returning from a trip to Kasese district. Eleven others were seriously injured. The incident has brought the issue of school trip safety into sharp focus.
On August 5, 2025, Kalungu West County MP Joseph Ssewungu raised the matter in Parliament, demanding answers from the Ministry of Education and Sports regarding the oversight of such excursions. He questioned how school trips are planned, including who approves them, the age groups involved, travel times, and safety procedures. Ssewungu, a former teacher, criticized the decision to take nursery children on a dangerous journey from Kampala to Kasese, calling it reckless and irresponsible. According to police reports, the bus driver is believed to have fallen asleep, causing the fatal crash.
Ssewungu also raised concerns about the financial burden these trips place on families. He noted that some parents are charged more for a trip than they pay in tuition fees, with children often not receiving proper meals during the journey.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among echoed these concerns, warning of growing inequality and possible exploitation. She mentioned seeing children transported in lorries and questioned what happens when trips go overseas, highlighting the risk of discrimination and extortion.
In response, industry state minister David Bahati stated that the Ministry of Education would address these concerns soon. He assured Parliament that the Minister of Education and Sports would make a statement in the coming week.
As more parents demand answers and accountability, the spotlight now turns to the Ministry of Education to ensure that school trips are safe, meaningful, and fair for every child.