Ugandan Education Ministry: New School Transport Regulations Introduced

• The Ugandan government has introduced new school transport regulations to improve learner safety following a series of fatal road crashes.
• Stricter vehicle inspections and specialized training for drivers are key components of the new directives.
• Compliance with the new regulations is mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to revocation of operating licenses.
• Lawyers and compliance officers must ensure that their clients' schools adhere to the new requirements to avoid potential liabilities and reputational damage.

The safety of learners during school transport is a critical concern for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.

A series of fatal road crashes involving school buses in Uganda has prompted the government to introduce new regulations aimed at improving learner safety. The measures, announced in July 2026 by the ministries of Education and Sports and Works and Transport, are designed to strengthen regulation of school transport through stricter vehicle inspections and specialized training for drivers, reinforcing standards previously outlined in the May 2025 Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards for Schools (BRMS) framework. According to official data, the number of accidents involving school buses has been on the rise in recent years, with a significant increase in fatalities. The new regulations are seen as a critical step towards addressing this growing concern.

The introduction of new regulations for school transport is not unprecedented in Uganda. In 2018, the government implemented a law requiring all vehicles used for transporting learners to undergo regular inspections and meet specific safety standards. However, it appears that compliance with these regulations has been inconsistent, leading to the recent spate of accidents. The new directives are expected to be enforced strictly, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to revocation of operating licenses. Lawyers and compliance officers will need to ensure that their clients' schools are aware of and adhere to the new requirements to avoid potential liabilities and reputational damage.

The safety of learners during school transport is a critical concern for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. The recent rise in accidents involving school buses has highlighted the need for more stringent regulations and better enforcement. By strengthening regulation of school transport, the government aims to reduce the risk of accidents and protect the lives of thousands of learners who rely on these services every day. Compliance with the new regulations will not only help prevent tragic incidents but also contribute to a safer and more secure learning environment.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the new regulations and ensure that their clients' schools are compliant with the stricter vehicle inspection requirements to avoid potential liabilities and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via The Observer Media Ltd