The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a safety checklist for schools and transport operators to ensure the safe transportation of learners as schools break off for the second term.
The guidelines require school administrators and transport operators to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police before transporting learners.
The ministry warned that failure to comply with the safety requirements could lead to the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
The guidelines come in the wake of recent road crashes involving school children, including a fatal school bus crash in Kapchorwa that claimed the lives of more than 20 learners. Following the incident, the government suspended school tours for the entire term.
Under the road safety standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports, all vehicles transporting learners to and from school must have a valid Private Motor Omnibus (PMO) licence and a valid Inspection of Motor Vehicles (IOV) certification.
The ministry said school vans must be roadworthy, while passenger vehicles must obtain clearance from the relevant authorities confirming their roadworthiness.
“All vehicles transporting learners should be labelled with the school’s name,” the ministry said.
For learners who walk to and from school, the ministry requires that they be accompanied by a trusted caregiver.
On staffing, schools are required to ensure that every vehicle transporting learners has a driver with an appropriate and valid driving permit for the class of vehicle being used.
The ministry also requires schools to designate a staff member, with a formal letter of assignment clearly outlining their roles and responsibilities, to accompany learners during transportation.
“The driver and the transport assistant shall be in uniform and always display their identification badges,” the ministry said.
The ministry further directed schools and transport operators to observe the recommended carrying capacity of vehicles and ensure that learners are not transported in overcrowded vehicles.
“Vehicles carrying learners should adhere to the recommended vehicle capacity,” the guidelines state.
Schools are also required to have a clear policy governing the transportation of learners.
The ministry said learners must not be exposed to verbal, audio-visual or print media materials that are unrelated to learning while travelling.
Parents or guardians are also required to provide written consent before their children are transported by school vehicles.
The ministry has restricted the transportation of learners to daytime hours, directing that they should only be transported between 6:00am and 6:00pm.
Schools and transport operators have also been directed to maintain proper records of learners travelling in each vehicle.
“A record of learners transported should be kept with the transporter and a copy left at school,” the ministry said, adding that a logbook must also be maintained.
The ministry urged school administrators, transport operators, parents and caregivers to strictly adhere to the guidelines to protect learners during the break-off period.
The safety measures are part of broader government efforts to strengthen school transport safety following a series of road crashes involving learners.
