Ministry calls for stronger school transport standards to protect learners on the road

The Ministry of Works and Transport has called for stronger school transport standards, responsible driver management, and greater use of technology to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving school-going children.

Speaking at the “Safe Tour for a Safe Future: Making School Travel Safe Again” national dialogue at Hotel Africana this morning, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety/Chief Licensing Officer, Mr. Winstone Katushabe, challenged schools to take greater responsibility for the safety of learners while in transit.

He said school buses must be properly marked, roadworthy, and compliant with safety requirements, while schools should ensure that drivers are competent, properly licensed, fit to drive, and subjected to appropriate background checks.

“The safety of our children on the road is a non-negotiable obligation,” Katushabe said.

The engagement brings together school administrators, government institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, Traffic Police, professional drivers, and other road safety stakeholders to explore smart enforcement, technology, and other innovations that can strengthen road discipline and make school journeys safer.