With Uganda recording an average of two road traffic deaths involving school-going children every day, authorities have launched an intensive road safety sensitisation campaign in Mbarara City to curb the rising number of preventable tragedies.
The initiative, led by the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, has targeted high-density schools including Uganda Martyrs Primary School, Mbarara Municipal School, and Ebenezer Primary School.
Speaking during the exercise, Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura described the situation as alarming, citing findings from the 2025 traffic report.
“Findings indicate a worrying trend, with many children being knocked down during morning and evening peak hours as they travel to and from school,” Kananura said.
“We attribute most of these incidents to speeding and careless overtaking by motorists who disregard the safety of pedestrians. Two children die every day from the 2025 report.”
He noted that beyond immediate protection, the campaign is designed to instill long-term behavioral change among young road users.
“This is part of ongoing efforts to equip learners with road safety knowledge and to build a generation of responsible road users who can also influence positive behaviour in their homes and communities,” he added.
The “Save Kids, Save Future” campaign integrates physical sensitisation with digital enforcement measures under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
According to Steven Turyarugayo, the initiative complements systems such as digital number plates and the Express Penalty System (EPS) to enhance accountability among motorists.
“The ongoing campaign targets at least 3,000 school-going children across the country. Having already covered Mbale and Fort Portal, our goal in Mbarara is to ensure that children understand the digital and physical tools being used to keep them safe,” he said.
Educators have welcomed the intervention as timely and necessary.
Denis Nimusiima said the program will help learners better understand road use and safety.
“This initiative will help pupils understand how to interact responsibly with motorists and how to share road safety messages within their families,” Nimusiima noted.
As part of the campaign, pupils received reflector jackets and helmets to improve visibility during early morning and evening commutes.
Authorities say the campaign will continue rolling out across the country, with a focus on reducing fatalities and building a culture of road safety among young Ugandans.