The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, in partnership with the Territorial Police of Wamala Region, has launched a road safety sensitization campaign aimed at protecting school-going children from road accidents. The initiative, which targets both school administrators and children, focuses on educating young pedestrians on safe road usage practices. This comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that 1,666 pedestrians lost their lives in road crashes in 2024 alone, with 702 of these victims being children under the age of 18.

Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police Spokesperson, emphasized the urgency of the campaign, stating, “As responsible road users, we have a moral obligation to protect pedestrians, especially children, who are disproportionately vulnerable due to their small stature, limited visibility, and impulsive behavior.” He urged motorists, particularly motorcyclists, to exercise extra caution near schools and residential areas by reducing speed, adhering to speed limits, and remaining vigilant for child pedestrians.

The campaign aims to address the growing concern over child-related road accidents, which have become a significant public safety issue. Children, due to their size and sometimes unpredictable behavior, are at a higher risk of being involved in road crashes. The initiative seeks to empower children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate roads safely while also encouraging motorists to adopt safer driving practices.

Kananura also called on parents and guardians to play an active role in educating their children about essential road safety practices. This includes teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street, using designated crossing points, and understanding traffic signals. Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring that children use proper restraints, such as seat belts and child car seats, while traveling in vehicles.

The campaign is part of a broader effort to reduce road accidents and create safer environments for all road users, particularly vulnerable groups like children. Authorities believe that through collective efforts, including responsible driving and enhanced public awareness, the number of child-related road crashes can be significantly reduced.

The initiative has been welcomed by school administrators and community leaders, who recognize the importance of road safety education in protecting young lives. Schools are expected to incorporate road safety lessons into their curricula, ensuring that children are equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.

The campaign also highlights the need for motorists to be more mindful of their surroundings, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians are some of the leading causes of road accidents involving children. By adhering to traffic rules and exercising caution, drivers can play a crucial role in preventing these tragedies.

In addition to educating children and motorists, the campaign also aims to raise awareness among the general public about the importance of road safety. Community outreach programs, public service announcements, and social media campaigns are being used to spread the message and encourage everyone to take responsibility for creating safer roads.

The launch of this campaign comes at a critical time, as road accidents continue to claim lives and cause injuries across the country. Children, who are among the most vulnerable road users, often bear the brunt of these accidents. By addressing the root causes of road crashes and promoting safer behaviors, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety hopes to make a lasting impact on road safety in Uganda.

The success of the campaign will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, parents, and the general public. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that children can travel to and from school safely.

As the campaign gains momentum, authorities are optimistic that it will lead to a significant reduction in child-related road accidents. By educating children, encouraging responsible driving, and raising public awareness, the initiative aims to create a safer environment for Uganda’s youngest and most vulnerable road users.