Police caution road users as children return to school
He warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, as well as speeding and overloading vehicles.
Masindi: Police in the Albertine North Region have cautioned motorists and other road users to observe traffic and road safety measures as school-going children return to school for the third term.
The warning was issued by Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer and Acting Police Spokesperson, while addressing the media at the regional police headquarters in Masindi Municipality on Monday afternoon.
Mugisa said school reporting periods are often associated with increased road crashes, urging motorists, pedestrians and other road users to exercise extra caution to protect children.
“This is the reporting week for schools, and we appeal to all road users to observe road safety measures because there are many children travelling to school,” Mugisa said.
He warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, as well as speeding and overloading vehicles.
According to Mugisa, carrying excess passengers compromises a driver’s ability to control a vehicle, especially in an emergency.
“We are cautioning drivers against speeding and overloading. When you overload a vehicle, it becomes difficult to control it, especially when there is an emergency,” he said.
Mugisa said police have deployed personnel on major roads across the country to enforce traffic regulations and ensure the safe movement of children returning to school.
Mugisa also advised parents and guardians against giving children large amounts of money to carry to school.
He encouraged parents to deposit school fees directly into the relevant school bank accounts and, where necessary, give children bank slips instead of cash.
“Parents should avoid giving children large amounts of money to take to school. Where possible, school fees should be deposited directly into the school account,” Mugisa said.
He warned that entrusting children with large sums of money can expose them to theft and other risks.
Mugisa further cautioned parents against giving children large amounts of school fees, saying some may misuse the money through betting, resulting in financial losses and, in some cases, children abandoning their homes.
The police spokesperson also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during the school reporting period.
He said cases of child disappearance and sexual offences, including defilement and rape, can increase when children are left without adequate supervision.
“Parents and guardians should take responsibility for the safety and welfare of their children. They need to know where their children are and ensure that they are properly supervised,” Mugisa said.
He urged parents to work closely with schools and authorities to ensure children report safely and remain protected throughout the school term.
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