Traffic police take road safety campaign to schools

Uganda's traffic police directorate has launched a comprehensive road safety campaign targeting schools, marking a significant institutional pivot toward preventative public health measures. This initiative reflects broader governance improvements in East Africa's transportation sector and carries important implications for European businesses operating across the region. The campaign represents a departure from reactive enforcement-only approaches that have historically characterized traffic management in many African markets. By engaging educational institutions directly, Ugandan authorities are addressing road safety at a foundational level — teaching children defensive driving principles, pedestrian awareness, and traffic rule compliance before they become drivers or road users. This approach aligns with World Health Organization recommendations and demonstrates institutional maturity in recognizing that sustainable safety improvements require behavioral change across generations. For context, Uganda experiences among the highest road fatality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 35 deaths per 100,000 population annually according to WHO data — roughly four times the global average. The economic cost of these fatalities extends beyond human tragedy; road accidents drain government resources, disrupt supply chains, and create liability concerns for multinational operators. This school-based intervention signals that policymakers recognize these costs and are implementing evidence-based solutions. The campaign's institutional significance cannot be overstated. Coordinated