Kananura Leads Campaign to Curb Rising Road Accidents Among Learners

The Traffic Police Spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, has toured several schools in Luweero District as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at equipping students with road safety knowledge and promoting responsible behaviour among future road users.

Kananura began his outreach at Luweero Boys Primary School in Luweero Town Council, where he interacted with learners and emphasised the importance of understanding road signs, safe crossing practices, and personal responsibility on the road.

Speaking during the engagement, Kananura revealed that road crashes continue to claim many young lives, prompting the initiative.

“In 2024 alone, about 700 children lost their lives in road accidents. This is alarming and pushed us to start engaging learners early so they grow up knowing how to stay safe on the roads,” he said.

He added that the programme has now been running for four years, with traffic police visiting at least 60 schools annually to educate pupils on road usage and safety measures such as the proper use of zebra crossings.

“Our goal is to build a generation that respects traffic rules and values life. These children are future drivers, pedestrians, and passengers,” Kananura noted.

The campaign comes at a time when road accidents remain a serious concern in Greater Luweero. In just one week, six people lost their lives in crashes along the Kampala–Gulu highway, while several others sustained injuries.

Kananura pointed out that authorities are now focusing on reckless drivers, especially those operating public transport vehicles.

“We are putting more emphasis on regulating drivers of public service vehicles because many of the fatal crashes involve speeding and indiscipline,” he added.

Local drivers in Luweero have also raised concerns over the increasing number of accidents, blaming them on unregulated vehicles operating along the highway.

Asuman Kaaya, Secretary of the Luweero Taxi Drivers Association, said many of the vehicles involved are not registered within the district.

“Most of the vehicles causing accidents here are not from Luweero. They were pushed out of Kampala taxi parks and now operate along this road at high speeds without knowing it well,” Kaaya explained.

Drivers have appealed to the government, particularly the Ministry of Works and Transport, to install speed humps along accident-prone stretches.

“We request for humps between Balikyewuunya and Ngogolo because this is a known black spot that has claimed many lives,” Kaaya added.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner of Luweero, Mariam Nalubega, cautioned motorists against dangerous driving habits.

“Drivers must avoid speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. These are major causes of accidents that can be prevented,” Nalubega warned.

Authorities say continued sensitisation of both drivers and pedestrians is key to reducing road carnage and saving lives across the country.