Children's Lives at Risk: Overloaded School Van Sparks Renewed Calls for Stricter Road Safety Enforcement

By 0770-507-650

A school van transporting pupils under dangerously overcrowded conditions was intercepted on Wednesday morning, raising fresh concerns over the safety of schoolchildren on Uganda's roads.


The interception was made by Dr. Lakisa Mercy Faith, who described the incident as a serious reminder of the dangers posed by negligence in the transportation of pupils.
Speaking after the operation, Dr. Lakisa emphasized that the safety of children must remain a top priority and urged the Traffic Police to intensify enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly against school vehicles operating beyond their legal carrying capacity.


"Our children's safety is non-negotiable," she stated, calling on authorities to take firm action against schools and drivers who endanger the lives of pupils through overloading.
She further appealed to school proprietors, headteachers, and drivers to prioritize the welfare of children over convenience or profit.


"Children are not cargo. They are the future of Uganda. No convenience is worth a child's life," she said.
The incident has renewed public debate on the need for stricter monitoring of school transport services, with stakeholders urging schools to comply with safety standards to prevent avoidable road accidents.


Road safety advocates continue to call for regular inspections of school vehicles and tougher penalties for operators found violating traffic regulations in order to safeguard the lives of learners.