KAMPALA — As schools reopen for the third and final term of the 2026 academic year, road safety authorities have stepped up efforts to protect children from road crashes, with a new pedestrian crossing being installed at Peekaboo Primary School in Naguru.
The initiative, led by the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport, is part of the “Safer Kids, Safer Roads, Safer Journeys” campaign.
The partners on Sunday painted a pedestrian lane at the school, aiming to provide children with a clearly marked crossing point while reminding motorists to slow down and give way to pedestrians around school zones.
The intervention comes amid growing concern over road deaths in Uganda.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, road crashes claimed 5,383 lives last year, up from 5,144 in 2024, representing a 4.7 per cent increase. Serious injuries also rose from 17,013 to 18,444 during the same period.
Kampala remains particularly affected, with the KCCA 2025 road safety report indicating that about 407 people died in road crashes in the city.
Police statistics further show that two school-going children aged between six and 15 die every day in road crashes, putting renewed focus on safety around schools as learners return to class.
Michael Kananura the Spokesperson of the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said children remain among the most vulnerable road users because they may struggle to accurately judge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.
“Motorists must therefore take extra care around schools, slow down, remain alert and respect pedestrian crossings,” Kananura said.
He added that road safety cannot be left to the Police alone, urging all road users to play their part in preventing crashes and saving lives.
ITMS Public Relations Manager Steven Turayarugayo said the partnership was intended to move road safety beyond enforcement and into practical interventions that directly benefit communities.
“Safer roads require collective responsibility, and road signage and marking complemented by EPS technology must translate into practical interventions that make everyday journeys safer,” Turayarugayo said.
The proposed Express Penalty System (EPS) legislation also provides for a 30km/h speed limit around school zones, although the proposal is still awaiting government approval.
KCCA Road Safety Coordinator Jemima Nalumansi said the authority has identified pedestrian infrastructure, including walkways and marked crossings, as critical to reducing road crashes in Kampala.
She welcomed partnerships that bring government agencies, schools, parents, motorists and communities together to improve road safety.
At Peekaboo Primary School, the intervention has been welcomed by administrators who say the marked crossing will provide greater protection for pupils.
Barbra Nalweyiso, the school administrator, said the school had been identified as a road safety “dark spot” because of motorists who often fail to slow down or give way to pedestrians.
With schools reopening, the partners are warning motorists to expect increased numbers of children on neighbourhood roads, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak hours.
