African Travel Commission has condoled with the government and people of Uganda over the death of students and school officials in a road crash during an educational excursion to Sipi Falls.
The accident occurred on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Chekwatit Village in Kapchorwa District, eastern Uganda.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Lucky George, the commission expressed sympathy to the bereaved families, injured survivors, management of King David Junior School and others affected by the tragedy.
The ATC also expressed solidarity with the Ugandan government, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board and the country’s travel and tourism industry.
The commission said educational excursions remained important to tourism development, youth education and cultural appreciation, but stressed that the safety and well-being of travellers, particularly children, must remain a priority.
Commenting on the incident, the Chairman of the African Travel Commission and Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Ola Awakan, described the tragedy as a wake-up call for tourism authorities and stakeholders across Africa to strengthen safety protocols for educational and tourism-related travel.
Awakan urged national tourism organisations, regional tourism bodies, government tourism committees, schools, tour operators and transport providers to work together to ensure that comprehensive safety measures were in place for organised trips involving children.
He said risk assessments, vehicle safety inspections, the use of qualified and licensed drivers, emergency response plans, adequate adult supervision and strict compliance with road safety regulations should be mandatory for educational excursions.
He said, “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.”
The commission commended emergency responders, medical personnel and local communities for their efforts to rescue survivors and assist victims after the crash.
It also expressed confidence that the Ugandan authorities would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, the ATC 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 across Africa.
The commission extended its condolences to President Yoweri Museveni, the Government and people of Uganda, the affected families, the management of King David Junior School and the country’s tourism industry.
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