Schools transport pupils on trucks despite ban

Some schools in Kaliro District have defied a decade-long government directive that bans the transportation of pupils and students on trucks.
During a dialogue organised by the district leadership last week, pupils, who were among the participants, were seen being transported to and from the venue on lorries.
Mr Edward Kamaga, the district education officer, condemned the act.
“They (schools) did that without our notice, we were also surprised to see them [pupils] arriving on trucks and we condemn it. School administrators are supposed to find decent and safe transport for learners,’’ he said.
Mr Kamaga advised head teachers to follow guidelines and urged government to increase the capitation grants to cater for transportation of pupils.
“If the capitation grant is increased, head teachers can be in position to hire appropriate means of transportation. Government has just increased the annual grant per pupil to Shs12,000 which is not enough to cater for all the school needs,’’ he said.
In September 2000, the Ministry of Education issued guidelines which, among others, banned the transportation of school-going children on lorries following a spate of road accidents.
Ms Billy Janet Mulindwa, the Resident District Commissioner, said they would ask school administrators to comply with government policies.
Mr Michael Kasadha, the Busoga North police spokesperson, said they would engage head teachers who still transport pupils on lorries.
“It is against the law and very dangerous. They (schools) have to use better means of transport. The law will take its course on defiant ones,” he said.
Mr John Denis Opio, the head teacher of Wangobo Primary School, Namwiwa Town Council in Kaliro District, asked government to provide a bus at the district to transport pupils.
“Some private schools can afford to buy buses unlike government-aided schools, which only depend on capitation grants,” Mr Opio said.
Ms Sarah Naigaga, a parent at Bituli Primary School said: “If government can provide cars to more than 200 MPs, it can also buy buses for their schools, especially those in remote areas.”
Guidelines

According to government guidelines, transporting students and pupils on trucks is not only a breach of traffic regulations, but a threat to their safety. Government noted that since trucks are not designated to carry passengers, their accident victims cannot claim compensation. Schools without buses were ordered to hire them.Police were ordered to impound trucks ferrying students and arrest its drivers.