Retired Bishop Urges Schools to Invest in Own Transport Following Tragic Accidents

Retired Bishop James William Ssebaggala is advocating for schools to prioritize owning their transport fleets over relying on hired vehicles. Speaking at a fundraising event for Gayaza Junior School’s bus acquisition, he highlighted the critical need for safer student travel.

Bishop Ssebaggala, who represented the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, emphasized that schools owning their buses allows for better maintenance and adherence to service schedules. This, he believes, significantly reduces the risk of accidents caused by vehicles in poor mechanical condition. His remarks come in the wake of a devastating accident in Kapchorwa that claimed the lives of over 20 pupils from King David Junior School.

The tragedy prompted the Ministry of Education and Sports to temporarily suspend all school trips and study tours. Parents and school administrators, like those at Gayaza Junior School, are increasingly concerned about the safety of hired transport, which they find to be tedious, inconvenient, and costly.

Parents and alumni of Gayaza Junior School have initiated a fundraising drive to purchase a new bus, aiming to ensure the safety of their learners. The head teacher, Ms. Sarah Tebugulwa Kizito, welcomed the initiative, noting the financial and logistical challenges of hiring transport. The school has already secured 50 percent of the estimated Shs 350 million needed for the bus.

Recent government guidelines, developed in conjunction with the Uganda Police and Ministry of Works and Transport, focus on ensuring learner transportation occurs between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, with drivers required to possess valid licenses, badges, and be free from alcohol, drugs, and fatigue. These measures aim to bolster road safety for students across the country.