By Jane Kisha
Authorities target speeding, unsafe boda boda practices, and poor pedestrian infrastructure as Uganda moves to create safer environments around schools.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled new school zone safety guidelines aimed at reducing road crashes involving children, including a proposed 30-kilometre-per-hour speed limit around schools and other high-risk areas.
The new framework is part of government efforts to create safer road environments for learners ahead of school reopening and to address growing concerns over speeding, unsafe motorcycle practices, and inadequate pedestrian facilities near schools.
The guidelines were unveiled during a stakeholder engagement under the Safe Kids, Save Future road safety campaign held on 22 May, bringing together school administrators, learners, government officials, and road safety stakeholders to discuss measures for protecting children on the road.
According to Michael Kamoga, an official from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the government has developed a guide to support the gradual establishment of safer school zones across Uganda.
“As the ministry, we have recently developed a guide for safe school zones in Uganda. We shall ensure we have pedestrian crossing facilities, signposts, as well as barriers to protect pupils from crashes,” Mr Kamoga said.
He explained that the ministry, working with traffic police and partners under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), will support enforcement of the proposed 30km/h speed limit in school zones and other built-up areas.
Local governments will play a key role in identifying priority locations where safety interventions are most urgently needed before infrastructure improvements are implemented.
Mr Kamoga also encouraged schools and communities seeking road safety facilities, including pedestrian crossings and speed humps, to formally engage the ministry and local authorities for assessment and approval.
“If you write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, the process will begin with inspection and recommendations before implementation,” he said.
Human Behaviour Remains a Major Road Safety Challenge
While infrastructure improvements are central to the new guidelines, road safety stakeholders warned that irresponsible road behaviour remains one of the biggest threats to children.
Michael Kananura urged motorists, boda boda riders, school administrators, and parents to take greater responsibility for protecting learners.
“Drive on the road as if every child on the road is your own child,” Mr Kananura said.
He noted that human behaviour contributes to the majority of road crashes, citing speeding, drunk driving, negligence, and overloading as some of the leading causes.
Mr Kananura also raised concerns over unsafe transportation practices involving children, particularly by some boda boda riders and schools that employ unqualified drivers.
“We recently arrested a rider carrying nine children on one motorcycle,” he said, describing the practice as a serious danger to learners.
Campaign Reaches Nearly 10,000 Pupils With Road Safety Messages
The new school zone guidelines build on lessons from the Safe Kids, Save Future campaign, which was implemented between November 2025 and April 2026 to promote safer road-use behaviour among children.
The campaign reached approximately 9,700 pupils in 12 primary schools across Kampala, Mbale, Fort Portal, and Mbarara through road safety awareness sessions.
More than 4,000 road safety materials, including reflective vests, arm bracelets, crash helmets, and educational bookmarks, were distributed to support children’s safety and awareness.
Steven Turyarugayo said the campaign demonstrated the importance of combining education, technology, and partnerships to improve road safety among young people.
“We are building a generation that embraces safer road-use behaviour and digital road safety solutions,” he said.
Need for Better Pedestrian Infrastructure
Stakeholders also highlighted gaps in pedestrian infrastructure around schools, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic.
Daniel Nuwabine said the campaign revealed an urgent need for improved pedestrian facilities to protect learners who walk along busy roads.
“The campaign has revealed the urgent need for enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, especially around high-traffic school zones,” Mr Nuwabine said.
As Uganda prepares to roll out safer school zones, authorities say collaboration between government agencies, schools, parents, communities, and road users will be critical in reducing child-related road crashes and creating safer journeys for learners.