As learners across the country return to school for the second term of 2026, the Uganda Police Force has appealed to motorists, parents, school administrators, and the public to observe strict road safety measures to protect children during the busy back-to-school period.

Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura warned that increased movement of learners on roads, highways, and in trading centres raises the risk of crashes if road users fail to exercise caution.

Kananura also said the reopening of schools usually brings heavy congestion, especially in urban centres and along major highways where school transport vehicles, taxis, boda-bodas, and private cars compete for space.

Children remain among the most vulnerable road users because many cannot accurately judge vehicle speed and distance, authorities said.

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"Road safety is not only the responsibility of traffic officers, but a collective duty requiring cooperation from motorists, parents, schools, and the wider community," Kananura said.

"Reckless behaviour continues to cause preventable accidents that claim lives and leave others with serious injuries," he added.

Motorists were urged to reduce speed near schools, pedestrian crossings, and densely populated areas. Police also warned against reckless overtaking, distracted driving, speeding, drink-driving, overloading, and operating vehicles in poor mechanical condition.

Learners were reminded to use designated taxi parks and boda-boda stages, note vehicle registration numbers before boarding, and walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Police advised children to cross roads carefully by checking right, left, and right again before proceeding.