Uganda’s government has temporarily closed Kings David Junior School and suspended all school trips nationwide following a bus crash that killed 21 people during an educational tour in Kapchorwa District.
Acting Minister of Education and Sports John Chrysostom Muyingo announced the measures on Friday after visiting the school in Ndejje, saying the decisions were intended to support grieving families, protect survivors and allow investigators to determine what caused one of the country’s deadliest school transport accidents in recent years.
The school will remain closed for at least two weeks while investigations continue and survivors receive psychological support, Muyingo said. He added that the closure could be extended depending on the findings of the inquiry.
The minister said a total of 217 pupils and teachers had travelled to Kapchorwa for a study tour using two buses and two smaller vehicles. One of the buses, carrying 107 passengers, was involved in the fatal crash.
According to the government, 21 people died, including five teachers. Among the deceased was the school’s director. Forty-four people were injured and were receiving treatment at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital before arrangements were made to return them to Kampala.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the school community, with anxious parents and relatives gathering outside the campus seeking updates on the fate of their children. Many families are now waiting to begin burial arrangements while others remain focused on the recovery of injured survivors.
Muyingo said the government would work with the Ministries of Education and Gender, local authorities and community leaders to provide counselling services to pupils, teachers and affected families as they cope with the emotional impact of the disaster.
The government also announced an immediate suspension of all school trips and educational tours across Uganda until investigations are completed and any necessary safety measures are introduced.
Officials say the nationwide suspension is intended to prevent similar incidents while authorities examine whether changes are needed to regulations governing student travel.
Muyingo said a multi-agency committee comprising security agencies, education officials and the Ministry of Health had already been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators determine the cause of the accident, saying the government’s priority is supporting victims while ensuring accountability based on evidence.
The Kapchorwa crash has renewed concerns about the safety of school transport and educational excursions in Uganda, where schools regularly organize field trips to historical, cultural and tourist destinations as part of classroom learning. The findings of the investigation are expected to shape future policies aimed at improving the safety of students travelling on school-sponsored activities.
