A renewed road safety campaign has been launched in Kampala to protect school-going children from road crashes as learners prepare to return for the third and final term of the 2026 academic year.The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), working with the Uganda Police Force, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport, kicked off the campaign at Peekaboo Primary School in Naguru, where a pedestrian crossing was painted to create a safer and more visible route for children crossing the road.
The initiative, conducted under the theme “Safer Kids, Safer Roads, Safer Journeys,” seeks to put child safety at the centre of road-use behaviour. The partners want motorists to slow down around schools while encouraging parents, teachers, pupils and other road users to remain alert and play their part in preventing crashes.The campaign comes at a time when Uganda continues to record worrying numbers of road deaths. The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 shows that 5,383 people died in road traffic crashes last year, compared with 5,144 deaths in 2024. Serious injuries also increased from 17,013 to 18,444 over the same period.Kampala has not been spared the crisis, with KCCA reporting about 407 road deaths in the city in 2025.
Even more alarming are Police statistics indicating that two school-going children between six and 15 years lose their lives in road crashes every day, highlighting the danger faced by children travelling to and from school.ITMS Public Relations Manager Steven Turayarugayo said road safety cannot be achieved through the work of one institution alone. He called for stronger cooperation between government agencies, communities and other stakeholders, noting that road markings, signs and technologies such as the Express Penalty System can help turn road safety measures into practical protection for road users.Turayarugayo further pointed to a proposed Express Penalty System law that would introduce a 30km/h speed limit around school zones.
The proposal, which is awaiting government approval, could strengthen efforts to control speeding and reduce the severity of crashes involving children.Uganda Police spokesperson Michael Kananura urged motorists to exercise maximum caution near schools, explaining that children may not accurately judge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.
KCCA Road Safety Coordinator Jemima Nalumansi welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of pedestrian infrastructure, while Peek Aboo Pre-school administrator Barbra Nalweyiso thanked ITMS for identifying the area as a dangerous road spot. As schools reopen, the partners are calling on motorists to slow down, respect pedestrian crossings and remember that protecting a child on the road is a responsibility shared by everyone.
