Kampala – As schools reopen for the third term, the Traffic Police has launched a road safety campaign to protect school-going children from road crashes.
According to Michael Kananura, Traffic Police Spokesperson, Uganda has witnessed a disturbing trend of pupil fatalities on the roads, with 650 deaths in 2022, 872 in 2023, and 234 so far in 2024.
“Road safety remains not only an individual responsibility but a collective responsibility. We all have roles to play to ensure that our children are safe,” said Kananura.
To combat this, the Traffic Police has issued guidelines for students, parents, motorists, and school administrators to ensure collective responsibility for road safety.
For students:
- – Use designated taxis and boda boda stages
- – Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking or crossing roads
- – Move in groups and cross roads in single lines
For parents/guardians:
- – Teach road safety rules to children
- – Accompany young children to and from school
- – Ensure helmets for pupils and cyclists
- – Use safe and reliable school transport
For motorists:
- – Slow down near schools and pedestrian crossings
- – Obey speed limits and avoid distractions while driving
For school administrators:
- – Ensure safe school surroundings and designate school crossing points
- – Collaborate with local authorities for road safety sensitization
- – Monitor student drop-off and pick-up areas
The Traffic Police urges the public to report reckless driving and work together to ensure road safety for school-going children. A toll-free number, 0800199099, has been provided for reporting incidents.