transportation 7 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Acts to End Deadly School Transport Crashes with New Reforms
In response to a surge in fatal accidents involving school children, the Ugandan government is introducing comprehensive reforms to enhance school transport safety. These measures include specialized driver certification, stricter vehicle inspections, and increased use of speed cameras. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-unveils-sweeping-reforms-to-curb-deadly-school-transport-crashes-5550516
The Ugandan government has announced a series of significant reforms aimed at drastically reducing the number of fatal crashes involving school children. The proposed measures come after a period marked by tragic accidents, highlighting critical safety lapses in the transportation of learners.
A key focus of the new regulations is elevating the standards for school transport drivers. Officials are proposing mandatory specialized certification for drivers who transport students, requiring them to undergo defensive driving training and rigorous background checks. This is in addition to the standard driving permit, emphasizing the unique responsibility of safeguarding young passengers.
Vehicle safety is also under intense scrutiny. Stricter inspections for roadworthiness will be implemented, ensuring all school vehicles are equipped with essential safety features and adhere to passenger capacity limits. The Ministry of Education and Sports has already instructed schools to enforce immediate safety guidelines, requiring that all transport vehicles possess valid Private Motor Omnibus (PMO) licenses and Inspection of Vehicle (IOV) certifications.
To bolster enforcement, the government plans to expand the deployment of technology. This includes the increased use of speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to monitor compliance and identify traffic offenders. The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project will leverage Artificial Intelligence within the Express Penalty System (EPS) to aid in tracking violations and promoting behavioral change among drivers.
Additionally, authorities are considering infrastructure improvements around schools, such as designated pick-up and drop-off zones and stricter enforcement of low speed limits in school vicinities. The government has also suspended all school study trips and educational tours until further notice as these new preventive measures are finalized.
These reforms are a direct response to alarming road safety statistics in Uganda, which show tens of thousands of crashes and thousands of fatalities annually, and public outcry following a recent accident that claimed the lives of 20 pupils.