Planting seeds of road safety: ITMS, Police sensitise Kampala schoolchildren

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The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) Uganda, in collaboration with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Uganda Police, conducted the second session of its “Safe Kids, Safe Future” campaign at Kampala city-based Buganda Road Primary School, aiming to educate children on road safety and reduce traffic-related injuries among young learners.

During the November 13, 2025, session, Mable Tomusange, a road safety advocate and managing consultant at Consult Africa, led interactive demonstrations for the pupils. She educated children on road signs, zebra crossings, safe crossing techniques, and the importance of wearing helmets and reflective clothing. Pupils were shown how to check traffic in both directions before crossing and the proper way to sit on motorcycles to stay safe.

Mable Tomusange, Managing Consultant, Consult Afrika Usalama, an advocate of road safety. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Mable Tomusange, Managing Consultant, Consult Afrika Usalama, an advocate of road safety teaching children about road safety. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“We talked about how to use zebra crossings correctly, the meaning of road colours, and why a helmet must be fastened properly,” Tomusange explained. 

“Children learned that even a small oversight can put them at serious risk on the road.”

As part of the campaign, four children who commute long distances daily on motorcycles were given free helmets, ensuring they are protected while traveling to and from school.

Allan Kwitonda, an ITMS Uganda official, said the initiative goes beyond the organisation’s technological mandate of producing new vehicle number plates and implementing the electronic penalty system (EPS).

He noted that ITMS plans to extend the programme beyond schools to hospitals, and other community settings across Uganda, with the broader aim of reducing road fatalities and promoting responsible road use.

“By educating children from an early age, we are planting the seeds of road safety awareness that can grow into a national culture of responsibility,” said.

Speed limit sign. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Statistics show the urgency of the campaign. In 2023, 872 children died in road traffic accidents in Uganda, up from 650 in 2022. Overall, Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes in 2024, including 4,434 fatalities, with December historically seeing the highest number of accidents.

According to the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Uganda continues to lose at least two schoolchildren daily due to reckless driving.

Traffic directorate spokesperson Michael Kananura, who was in Ntinda last week for a similar campaign, commended the Buganda Road initiative, emphasising that community engagement and early education are critical to reducing road fatalities.

Safety tips for Boda boda transport. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

safety tips to young learners. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The program also highlighted the role of parents and motorcycle riders in ensuring children’s safety. Officials advised parents to supervise young commuters, ensure proper seating, and insist on helmets.

The “Safe Kids, Safe Future” campaign will continue to reach schools across Kampala and eventually other regions, reinforcing the message that every safe child contributes to a safer Uganda.