The Ministry of Works and Transport has issued a back-to-school alert as schools reopen for the first term of 2026, urging motorists and all road users to exercise extra caution around school zones, observe pedestrian crossings, and remain vigilant for children on the roads.
“It’s a reminder, and we cannot take anything for granted. It has been a long holiday, and road users are reminded to watch out for school-going children and prevent avoidable crashes,” said Allan Ssempebwa, Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Works.
The Ministry recently rolled out measures prioritizing the safety of children, including the Safe School Zone initiative and a series of road safety campaigns aimed at regulating transport, improving road infrastructure, and promoting pedestrian safety.
The initiative also emphasizes vehicle roadworthiness to ensure safer journeys for all road users.
Launched in 2025, the Safe School Zone framework is a comprehensive strategy designed to protect students.
Key elements include the creation of safe walking and cycling routes, improved signage to alert drivers near schools, and infrastructure upgrades to reduce the risk of accidents.
In addition, the Ministry is working to incorporate road safety education into primary school textbooks, teaching children safe practices and raising awareness from an early age.
With over 13 lives lost daily due to road crashes in Uganda, children remain among the most vulnerable.
These guidelines aim to provide practical strategies for planning, designing, and implementing school zones to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities around educational institutions.
The efforts form part of Uganda’s National Road Safety Action Plan (2021–2026), which seeks to reduce road fatalities and injuries by 25 percent by the 2026/2027 financial year.
The government has also committed to increasing financing for road safety and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to ensure safe travel for all road users.
“The safety of our children is paramount,” Ssempebwa emphasized. “We call upon all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to remain alert, obey traffic rules, and help us protect our young learners as they return to school.”
