Lucky P
School administrators in Bunyangabu District have expressed concern over losses and disruption to learning following the Ministry of Education and Sports’ decision to suspend all school educational tours across the country.
The nationwide suspension was announced after a tragic school bus crash in Kapchorwa District that claimed the lives of 23 pupils and one adult who were returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls. The directive aims to safeguard learners as government reviews safety measures governing school travel.
School leaders in Bunyangabu say the decision, though necessary for the safety of learners, has affected schools that had already completed preparations and invested resources in planned field study tours.
Mugenyi Philemon, the Deputy Head teacher and Geography teacher at Royal High School Mujunju, said the suspension came when the school had finalized all arrangements for a students’ field study trip.
He called on the Traffic Police and other relevant authorities to strengthen inspection of school vehicles before they are allowed on the road, saying thorough mechanical checks would help prevent avoidable accidents while allowing educational tours to continue safely.
Kyokusaba Ronaldo, the Deputy Head teacher of Rwimi Parents Secondary School, said the suspension is likely to negatively affect implementation of the competency-based curriculum, which places greater emphasis on practical learning.
According to Kyokusaba, educational tours provide learners with an opportunity to observe and interact with real-life geographical, environmental and scientific features, making classroom learning more meaningful.
Kabagaya Grace, the Deputy Head teacher of Wisdom High School Rwimi, also stressed that field study tours are an essential component of practical education. She appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop and enforce clear safety guidelines rather than impose an indefinite suspension.
She said schools are committed to protecting learners and would welcome stricter transport safety regulations that would allow educational tours to resume under safe conditions.
The Ministry of Education and Sports is expected to review safety procedures for school trips before lifting the suspension, with the aim of ensuring that future educational tours are conducted without compromising the safety of learners.