News
Police remind motorists to put learner safety first as schools reopen
Police in the Kigezi and Rwenzori East regions have issued safety guidelines to parents, school administrators and road users, citing increased traffic, road crashes, theft and other crimes associated with school opening.
Motorists have been warned against speeding, overloading and drink-driving as schools prepare to reopen for the third term. (File photo)
By: Bruno Mugizi, Journalist @New Vision
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Motorists have been warned against speeding, overloading and drink-driving as schools prepare to reopen for the third term on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Police in the Kigezi and Rwenzori East regions have issued safety guidelines to parents, school administrators and road users, citing increased traffic, road crashes, theft and other crimes associated with school opening.
In Rwenzori East, regional police spokesperson Elly Maate urged motorists to plan their journeys carefully and observe the highway code to protect school-going children and other road users.
Maate cautioned drivers against speeding, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, urging them to use roadworthy vehicles.
He said police would not tolerate indiscipline, noting that their mandate is to protect life and property, maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
“The safety of our children is our pride and every life matters,” Maate said.
In Kigezi, regional police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said police had put measures in place to ensure the safety of learners during the school-opening period.
Tumushime urged parents to accompany children below 12 years to school, check their luggage for drugs, alcohol and dangerous items, and inform school administrators about any health conditions affecting their children.
He said police would not tolerate indiscipline, noting that their mandate is to protect life and property, maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
“The safety of our children is our pride and every life matters,” Maate said.
In Kigezi, regional police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said police had put measures in place to ensure the safety of learners during the school-opening period.
Tumushime urged parents to accompany children below 12 years to school, check their luggage for drugs, alcohol and dangerous items, and inform school administrators about any health conditions affecting their children.
He also advised parents to know the driver or boda boda rider transporting their children and take note of the vehicle’s registration number.
Tumushime asked school administrators to thoroughly check learners’ luggage, keep records of visitors and vehicles entering school premises, and examine children for possible signs of abuse that may have occurred during the holiday.
Schools were also urged to strengthen security at gates, dormitories and fences, and address safety hazards such as open manholes, faulty electrical wiring and dilapidated latrines. They were further encouraged to install firefighting equipment and CCTV cameras where possible.
Tumushime urged owners of private and school vehicles to ensure they are in good mechanical condition and called on motorists to report any crimes against learners travelling in their vehicles to the nearest police station.
Both police regions called for cooperation among parents, schools, transport operators and the general public to ensure a safe start to the third term.
Tumushime asked school administrators to thoroughly check learners’ luggage, keep records of visitors and vehicles entering school premises, and examine children for possible signs of abuse that may have occurred during the holiday.
Schools were also urged to strengthen security at gates, dormitories and fences, and address safety hazards such as open manholes, faulty electrical wiring and dilapidated latrines. They were further encouraged to install firefighting equipment and CCTV cameras where possible.
Tumushime urged owners of private and school vehicles to ensure they are in good mechanical condition and called on motorists to report any crimes against learners travelling in their vehicles to the nearest police station.
Both police regions called for cooperation among parents, schools, transport operators and the general public to ensure a safe start to the third term.