Ivan Tibaijuka has become a familiar figure in Hoima for schoolchildren, waking up every morning to help them safely cross busy roads near Hoima central police station—all at no cost.
Tibaijuka, from Kibingo village, five kilometers from Hoima City centre, begins his day at 5am, preparing his two daughters for school and escorting them to Hoima Police Primary School by 6:30am.
After dropping them off, he heads to his boda boda stage near the city’s central police station. Before dismounting, he pauses to pray, then picks up his red flag—a signal for his daily mission of guiding schoolchildren across the road safely.
From 6:40am until around 8:20am, Tibaijuka helps children cross the zebra crossing. He returns by 1 p.m. to assist primary one and two pupils on their way home and again at 4pm, before resuming his regular boda boda duties.
All of this he does without expecting any payment. His selfless act, he says, is driven by a desire to prevent accidents in a spot that has seen too many mishaps.
Tibaijuka explained that his father instilled in him a sense of mercy and compassion from a young age. Witnessing frequent accidents at the crossing motivated him to act.
“I imagined how my children suffer and asked myself what I could do. I decided to follow my father’s advice to always be merciful. I love children, and maybe someone is helping my children too, so I need to help these innocent souls cross,” he said.
Tibaijuka recalls how accidents used to stir commotion at the stage. Parents would arrive searching for drivers involved in incidents, leaving him emotionally affected.
“We used to have many accidents here. Parents would come asking if we had seen the person who knocked their children. Seeing a parent cry because their child was hit at a stage where I work was very hurtful. I offered myself to help,” he said.
Despite approaching city leaders, including Mayor Brian Kaboyo, to repaint faded zebra crossings, his pleas have gone unanswered.
Tibaijuka is appealing to well-wishers to support repainting efforts and to install additional signage for schoolchildren.
“I went to the mayor, but no action was taken. I gave up, but I appeal to anyone who can help to repaint this zebra crossing and put up signs, especially near Hoima Hospital and Hoima Public Primary School, where markings are faded,” he said.
Tibaijuka has been doing this for nearly four years. Having stopped school in senior one due to financial constraints, he works hard to give his two daughters better opportunities.
“I wanted to be a doctor, but my parents couldn’t afford my fees, so I stopped in senior one. I tell my girls to study hard so they don’t suffer like me. I want them to become doctors and engineers, even though I can only afford Hoima Police Primary School,” he said.
Tibaijuka also faces challenges from pedestrians who ignore his guidance, sometimes insulting him at the crossing. Despite this, his dedication has not gone unnoticed.
Winnie Kusemererwa Tibaijuka, his older daughter now in primary five, says she is proud of her father.
“I love my father because he pays my school fees, buys my requirements, and also pays for my medical bills. I will study hard to pay him back,” she said.
Schoolchildren and road users alike have grown fond of him.
“We see him as our father. He is so dear to us. When he stops us from crossing, it is because he doesn’t want us to get hit. We love him and may God bless him,” said John Aheebwa, a pupil at Hoima Public School.
Joseph Kasumba, a resident of Businsi in Hoima city, described Tibaijuka as a generous man deserving recognition.
“If more people had such hearts, we wouldn’t have so many accidents. His love for children is exceptional. May God reward him and help educate his children to become responsible citizens,” Kasumba said.
Hoima City Resident Commissioner Badru Mugabi confirmed awareness of Tibaijuka’s efforts and encouraged all citizens to respect zebra crossings. He added that the city has plans to repaint all crossings in the near future.