Traffic Police Blame Regulatory Failures for Fatal Mityana School Bus Crash

Uganda’s Traffic Police have attributed the tragic school bus accident in Mityana District to deep-seated regulatory failures, sparking renewed scrutiny of school transport policies and enforcement measures nationwide.The crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in Kasoozo Village, Zigoti. The bus, operated by HMK Transporters Ltd. and registered as UAP 829U, was returning from a student excursion to Kasese when it overturned while descending a steep slope on the Mubende–Kampala highway.

The accident claimed the lives of two pupils and left eleven others injured, including four tour guides and the headteacher of Daystar Junior School in Makindye, Kampala.

Preliminary findings suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel—a conclusion Traffic Police Spokesperson SP Michael Kananura described as a “painful reminder” that student safety must be prioritized.

He criticized the school's travel arrangements, pointing to a lack of rest stops and failure to coordinate with regulatory bodies.

“This was preventable,” Kananura stated, noting that driver fatigue, mechanical negligence, and poor coordination with police and the Inspectorate of Vehicles all contributed to the tragedy.

He urged schools to strictly adhere to travel guidelines, including daytime travel scheduling, proper vetting of drivers, and ensuring vehicles undergo inspection before long trips.

The incident has prompted calls for accountability from civil society organizations and concerned parents, many demanding formal regulation of school transport services and penalties for institutions that disregard safety protocols.

The public outcry has reignited debate over Uganda’s transportation standards, especially in the education sector.

As investigations proceed, the Mityana bus crash stands as a sobering warning, and a call to action to overhaul the systems meant to protect children on Uganda’s roads