Police Caution Motorists as Children Return to School

What the report says

Police in Uganda’s Rwenzori East Region have issued a road safety warning as learners return to school for the third term, saying traffic is expected to increase around schools and along major routes. The warning, reported by Nile Post, focused on common risks that police say can lead to crashes and endanger children.

Regional police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate urged motorists to avoid speeding, overloading, drink-driving and using vehicles that are not roadworthy. He said drivers should follow the Highway Code, plan for heavier traffic and treat the school-opening period as a time for extra caution. The message also extended to boda boda riders, parents, students and other road users.

Police said the aim is to reduce road accidents and ensure children travel to and from school safely. Maate also warned that officers will not tolerate indiscipline on the roads during this period, noting that police have a duty to protect life and property and maintain order.

More broadly, the appeal reflects a common public-safety concern in many countries at the start of a school term, when traffic around schools often rises and authorities seek to limit preventable crashes. In this case, police framed cooperation between the public and law enforcement as essential to keeping children safe.