news 12 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Police Crack Down on School Travel Violations as Holidays Begin
As schools break for holidays, Uganda Police have issued a stern warning against overloading, night travel, and reckless driving for student transport, threatening arrest and prosecution for non-compliance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-warn-schools-drivers-against-overloading-night-travel-5554844
With schools across Uganda closing for the end-of-term holidays, the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has announced a robust enforcement campaign to ensure the safety of students traveling home. The police are specifically targeting violations commonly seen during this period, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, and overloading of school vehicles.
SP Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Traffic Directorate, stressed that learner safety must be paramount, overriding any pressure for profit or speed. “As schools begin breaking off for the holiday, the Uganda Police Force… is reminding school administrators, transport operators, drivers, parents, guardians, and students to prioritize safety during school transportation,” Kananura stated.
A strict ban on night travel for student transport is now in effect, with all journeys for learners mandated to occur between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. Additionally, any school bus deviating from its usual route requires official clearance from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Furthermore, Kananura emphasized that all vehicles, whether school-owned or hired, must be roadworthy and fully compliant. This includes having valid inspection reports, proper licensing, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permits, driver badges, and up-to-date driving licenses. “All vehicles must remain roadworthy, properly licensed, and operated by qualified and compliant drivers,” he added.
Targeted enforcement operations are planned for major highways. Drivers found with defective vehicles or breaking traffic laws will face immediate detention and prosecution. The police are urging collective action from schools, parents, and drivers to protect children on the roads, stating that the law will be applied rigorously to any offenders. “Our priority remains the protection of life. Where there is non-compliance, the law will take its course.”