ALL SCHOOL VEHICLES TO BE PAINTED YELLOW AS GOV’T TIGHTENS SAFETY MEASURES AFTER KAPCHORWA TRAGEDY
PML DAILY
The government has announced plans to introduce a new identification system requiring all vehicles used to transport learners to be painted yellow as part of measures aimed at improving child safety on Ugandan roads.
The directive is among several measures announced following the fatal school bus accident in Kapchorwa that claimed the lives of pupils from King David Junior School, Ndejje, and left others injured.
According to joint government Ministries including the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Works and Transport and Youth and Children Affairs in the ministry of gender labour and social development, the move is intended to make school transport vehicles easily recognizable by road users and enforcement authorities.
“The government will introduce a requirement for all vehicles transporting learners to be painted yellow for easy identification,” Kasule Lumumba said
The new requirement will apply to education institutions across the country, including nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and other learning institutions.
The government said the measure forms part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening regulations governing the transportation of children during school activities.
Other measures announced include mandatory mechanical inspections for vehicles used for school trips, clearance of drivers transporting large groups by the Ministry of Works and Transport, and ensuring Public Service Vehicle drivers carry official government badges.
The government also directed schools to seek approval from District Education Officers before undertaking learner trips, while enforcement of the new regulations will be handled by the Ministry of Works and Transport together with the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic.
A new Inter-Ministerial Committee has also been established to develop additional licensing regulations for vehicles transporting children.
The government said the reforms follow lessons from the Kapchorwa tragedy and are aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the safety of learners travelling for educational activities, with authorities emphasizing the need for strict compliance with transport regulations.
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