The Traffic Police have launched a nationwide road safety campaign targeting primary school children amid growing concerns over the rising number of minors killed or injured in road crashes.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said children remain among the most vulnerable road users, often exposed to danger while walking long distances along highways or riding on motorcycles without adequate protection.

"Children frequently appear among victims in national road crash statistics, either as pedestrians or passengers, losing their lives or sustaining serious injuries," Kananura said.

He noted that children's limited ability to judge speed and distance, combined with their natural playfulness, increases their exposure to road risks, especially in high-traffic areas.

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The campaign will focus on primary schools, where officers are training pupils in practical road safety skills such as safe road crossing, road awareness, and responsible behaviour on and around roads.

As part of the initiative, police have distributed helmets and reflective jackets to improve child safety, saying the gear enhances visibility and reduces the severity of injuries in case of accidents.

Kananura stressed that protecting children on the road requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders, including parents, guardians, and motorists.

He urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly in school zones and residential areas, to help prevent avoidable accidents.

The campaign is being implemented in partnership with the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System Uganda, which has supported the distribution of protective gear.

Traffic Police say the initiative will be sustained through a combination of enforcement, education, and community engagement aimed at reducing preventable road crashes involving children.