Police intensify road safety measures as schools reopen

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As Uganda’s third school term gets underway, the Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has intensified efforts to safeguard students and road users amid a nationwide surge in traffic.

School opening periods are typically marked by increased movement of students, parents, and teachers—often leading to traffic congestion and a rise in road crashes.

Speaking during the weekly joint security briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters in Kampala on Monday, September 15, 2025, directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura urged road users to exercise heightened caution during this critical time.

“Schools' opening periods are marked by increased movement of students, teachers and parents across the country,” Kananura said.

“This surge in traffic puts pressure on our road infrastructure and increases the risk of traffic crashes—many of which are preventable.”

Kananura said during such periods, Police often encounter high-risk behaviours such as the use of unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, excessive speeding, riding motorcycles with multiple passengers (pillion riding), and operation of vehicles by intoxicated or unlicensed drivers.

Nationwide enforcement and safety measures

To address these concerns, the Police have rolled out a comprehensive enforcement and sensitisation campaign.

Traffic officers have been strategically deployed along major highways, in urban centres, and around school zones. Mobile enforcement units have been activated to crack down on reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and the transportation of excess passengers.

“We are conducting random spot checks and roadworthiness inspections targeting both private and public vehicles,” Kananura said.

“School transport is a key focus. We are ensuring all vehicles comply with legal and safety standards.”

Additionally, road safety awareness campaigns are being carried out in schools, targeting pupils, staff, and transport providers.

Shared responsibility

Kananura emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on all stakeholders — parents, school administrators, drivers, and children — to take proactive steps to protect lives.

“Traffic police cannot be everywhere,” he said. “If you are taking a child to school or picking them up, you must take personal responsibility.”

Motorists were reminded to adhere to key road safety practices, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. These include observing speed limits, especially in school zones, avoiding reckless overtaking, and ensuring that all passengers, including those seated in the back, wear seatbelts at all times. Additionally, drivers transporting children on motorcycles or bicycles were urged to provide proper helmets to enhance their safety. Kananura also emphasised the importance of using only licensed and roadworthy vehicles for school transport to avoid endangering young passengers.

Kananura condemned the hiring of unregulated vehicles for transporting pupils, calling it a dangerous and illegal practice.

“Schools must not use just any vehicle to ferry pupils,” he warned. “We are actively monitoring and will take action against such violations.”

He also urged school staff and parents to educate children on basic road safety practices — such as using designated crossings, staying alert near roads, and avoiding distractions while walking.

Some schools, he noted, have implemented supervised pedestrian crossings using flags. He commended these efforts and encouraged other institutions to adopt similar safety measures.

The public is encouraged to report any road safety violations using the police toll-free line 0800 199 099 or via WhatsApp on 0779 999 999.

“All reports will be handled with urgency and confidentiality,” Kananura assured. “Every life matters, and every crash is preventable.”

Crash involving Sabiiti under investigation

Kananura also provided an update on a road crash involving former deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi. Muzeyi is the National Enterprise Corporation's Luwero Industries Ltd, Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi. The corporation is the defence ministry's commercial arm.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at around 1:40 PM along the Zzimwe–Gomba Road, at Kabango in Sembabule District.

It involved a Mitsubishi Fuso truck (registration number UDP 982L) and a Toyota Land Cruiser (registration number H4 DF) in which Maj. Gen. Sabiiti and his wife, Esther Sabiiti, were travelling.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the two vehicles, which were moving in opposite directions, collided in a side-swipe at a curve,” Kananura said.

The Land Cruiser sustained extensive damage, especially on the driver's side. Sabiiti was initially rushed to a nearby health facility and later transferred to Kampala for advanced medical care.

“We are pleased to report that Sabiiti is in stable condition and recovering well,” Kananura said.

“A full investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.”

He added that the retired general was heading from Gomba towards Sembabule when the crash occurred, and investigators are looking into all factors involved, including road conditions and possible mechanical faults.