By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Police Force has issued a road safety alert to schools, transport operators, drivers, parents and guardians as schools begin breaking off for the holiday, warning that anyone who violates regulations governing the transportation of students will face arrest and prosecution.
Through the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Police said school administrators and transport operators must ensure that all vehicles carrying students are roadworthy, properly licensed and operated by qualified drivers.
Police noted that some schools use buses to transport students to designated pick-up points where they are collected by parents or guardians, stressing that such journeys must comply with existing road safety laws and guidelines.
School buses operating outside their usual authorised routes must obtain the necessary permission from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Police also directed that all vehicles used to transport students have valid inspection reports and meet all applicable vehicle inspection requirements.
In addition, school transport journeys must be conducted between 6:00am and 6:00pm.
The vehicles must also have all mandatory documentation, including valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) documentation, PMO, driver badges and valid driving licences, among other applicable requirements.
The Directorate further warned drivers against speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, dangerous loading, reckless driving and other traffic offences.
Police said the requirements also apply to vehicles other than designated school buses if they are used to transport students.
Such vehicles must be mechanically sound, properly licensed and operated in full compliance with road safety regulations.
The warning comes as large numbers of students are expected to travel from schools to their homes and designated collection points during the holiday period, increasing the need for caution on the roads.
Police emphasised that obtaining clearance or permission for a journey does not exempt operators from complying with other road safety requirements.
“All vehicles must remain roadworthy, properly licensed and operated by qualified and compliant drivers,” the Directorate said.
The Traffic and Road Safety Directorate said it will continue conducting intelligence-led and targeted enforcement operations to ensure vehicles transporting children meet the required safety standards.
Police warned that any person found violating the requirements will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Force urged school owners and administrators, transport operators, drivers, parents and guardians to take collective responsibility for protecting children during the holiday travel period.
“Our priority remains the protection of life,” Police said, urging everyone involved in school transportation to put the safety of children first.
The authorities said where non-compliance is found, the law will take its course.
