…Urges Stronger Tourism Safety Measures
The African Travel Commission (ATC) has expressed profound sympathy to the Government and people of Uganda following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of several pupils and school officials returning from an educational excursion to the famous Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, eastern Uganda.
The fatal crash, which occurred on Thursday, July 16, 2026, has drawn condolences from tourism stakeholders across Africa, with the Commission describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss of young lives with immense promise and potential.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, the Commission said its thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the injured, the management of King David Junior School and all those affected by the tragedy.
ATC also extended its solidarity to the Ugandan Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board and the country’s travel and tourism industry, noting that educational excursions remain an important aspect of tourism development, youth education and cultural appreciation.
Commenting on the incident, Chairman of the African Travel Commission and Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, described the tragedy as a wake-up call for tourism authorities and stakeholders across Africa to strengthen safety standards for educational and tourism-related travel.
According to Awakan, national tourism organisations, regional tourism bodies, state and local government tourism committees, educational institutions, tour operators and transport providers must work together to ensure comprehensive safety measures are implemented whenever children embark on excursions or organised tours.
He stressed that mandatory risk assessments, vehicle safety inspections, deployment of qualified and licensed drivers, emergency response plans, adequate adult supervision and strict compliance with road safety regulations should form part of every educational excursion.
“This heartbreaking incident reminds us that while tourism creates invaluable opportunities for learning, cultural exchange and national development, the safety and wellbeing of travellers, especially children, must remain our highest priority. No excursion should commence unless all necessary safety standards have been fully met,” Awakan said.
The Commission commended emergency responders, medical personnel and members of the local community for their swift response in rescuing survivors and assisting victims after the accident.
It also expressed confidence that Ugandan authorities would carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism across Africa, the Commission said it would continue working with member countries, governments, national tourism organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen policies, standards and regulations aimed at improving traveller safety and supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s tourism industry.
The African Travel Commission also conveyed its condolences to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and people of Uganda, the affected families, the management of King David Junior School and the country’s tourism community, while praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured.