Beware of rising road crash risks as learners return to school—Traffic Police

KAMPALA - Traffic Police have warned motorists, parents and school administrators of heightened road safety risks as learners across the country report back to school for first term, urging all road users to exercise restraint and observe traffic laws.

Addressing the media at Police force headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city on February 9, 2025, Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the school reopening period is typically marked by increased traffic volumes and a spike in traffic violations, particularly around schools, highways, trading centres and residential areas.

“This period is characterised not only by increased traffic but also by a rise in traffic violations. We see people driving without licences, vehicles carrying excess passengers, and dangerous loading of luggage meant for learners,” Kananura said.

He warned that some vehicles transport luggage in a manner that obscures registration plates, describing the practice as a traffic offence that complicates enforcement and endangers other road users.

Kananura said the increased movement of learners, many of whom are young and vulnerable, raises the risk of road crashes if motorists fail to exercise due care.

“Road safety is not an individual responsibility. It is a collective responsibility,” he said before asking what the Traffic Police will do, each road user must ask themselves what they are doing to ensure the safety of children.

He urged motorists to reduce speed near schools, pedestrian crossings and other busy areas, obey traffic signs and comply with instructions from traffic officers.

Kananura also cautioned against reckless and dangerous overtaking, distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, describing careless overtaking as one of the leading causes of road crashes in Uganda.

“Some drivers refuse to stop when flagged by traffic officers, often because they lack licences or have committed offences. That behaviour only worsens the situation,” he said.

Actively protect children

Kananura appealed to parents, guardians and caretakers to actively participate in protecting children on the roads by teaching them basic road safety rules.

“Young children should be accompanied to and from school where possible, especially in the early mornings and evenings,” he said.

He encouraged parents to ensure that children transported by motorcycles wear crash helmets, noting that child-sized helmets are available on the market.

Parents were also urged to demand safe, reliable and authorised school transport and to scrutinise the condition of vehicles and drivers employed by schools.

“As parents, you must ask: what type of vehicle is carrying your child? Does it have worn-out tyres? Who is the driver? How many children are being carried?” Kananura said.

Learners were reminded to use pedestrian crossings where available, avoid distractions while walking on roads and refrain from playing near highways.

Traffic Police also warned students against boarding unauthorised vehicles or motorcycles, noting that some vehicles pose security risks, including criminal intentions.

“Learners should note vehicle or motorcycle registration numbers before boarding and share them with people at home. This helps in case of emergencies,” Kananura said.

School administrators were urged to prioritise road safety education and work closely with police to vet drivers and inspect school vehicles.

“If you are unsure about a driver, approach traffic police. We can interview drivers, inspect vehicles and even conduct breathalyser tests at no cost before they are employed,” Kananura said.

He said police have previously arrested drivers transporting learners while intoxicated.