Tour ban leaves schools crying over practical learning

What the report says

The Observer reports that schools in Uganda are still adjusting to a government suspension of school trips and educational tours introduced after the July 16 crash involving learners from King David Junior School in Ndejje. The accident, which occurred as the pupils were returning from a visit to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa, killed 20 learners and an adult, according to the article. In response, authorities halted excursions while they reviewed safety measures for school travel.

The paper says the ban has created concern among school leaders who view tours as an important part of practical learning. Fahd Ssemukaaya, headteacher of Busiika Muslim SS, told the publication that trips help pupils connect classroom lessons with real settings, including industries, historical places, farms and environmental sites. He argued that learners gain experiences that are difficult to replicate in class alone.

At the same time, the article notes that administrators also recognize why the restriction was imposed. The tragedy has underscored the risks of transporting children for educational visits and has pushed safety to the center of the debate. The broader issue, as presented by The Observer, is how schools can preserve hands-on learning opportunities while ensuring that student travel does not expose learners to avoidable danger.