Uganda Police and Ministry of Education unveil 25 holiday travel safety rules for schools

With the upcoming school holiday break on August 21, the Uganda Police Force and the Ministry of Education and Sports have jointly issued a comprehensive set of 25 road safety guidelines aimed at safeguarding the nation’s approximately 15 million learners.

These stringent rules, detailed in the “Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards for Schools” released in May 2025, cover various aspects of student transportation. Key requirements include ensuring all vehicles transporting students possess a valid Private Motor Omnibus (PMO) license with JOV certification, and that drivers are properly licensed, roadworthy, and cleared by police and the Ministry of Works.

Vehicles must be clearly labeled with the school’s name. Drivers and any accompanying school staff must wear uniforms and display identification badges. A designated staff member, armed with a letter of assignment, is required to accompany learners. Furthermore, schools must establish a clear transportation policy, and parental consent is mandatory before any student can be transported.

Overcrowding is strictly prohibited, with specific passenger limits for different vehicle types. For instance, a Toyota HiAce van is capped at 14 passengers, minibuses at 30, and buses at 60. Transport operations are restricted to daylight hours, between 6 am and 6 pm. Schools are also obligated to maintain detailed records of all transported learners and keep a logbook, with copies of learner details remaining at the school and with the driver.

In response to recent incidents, including a tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 24 learners, authorities are emphasizing strict adherence. Police have reiterated that school buses operating outside their regular routes require special permission, and all vehicles must have valid inspection reports.

Road safety advocates have welcomed the initiative but called for a sustainable, long-term approach rather than ad-hoc measures. They stressed the importance of continuous vehicle inspections and specialized training for drivers transporting students.

Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in vehicles being impounded, and offenders facing arrest and prosecution, underscoring the seriousness with which these new safety measures are being treated.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)