Transport leaders caution parents as schools close, as campaign season intensifies nationwide

26 November 2025, 9:27 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, activity across the country is rising on two fronts the political campaign trail and preparations for learners returning home for third term holidays. While presidential candidates continue to traverse districts seeking votes, transport leaders in Kampala are urging parents to prioritise the safety of children travelling from school.

Speaking in the Old Taxi Park, Mayambala Mustafa, the Vice Chairman of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators UTOF in charge of administration, called for coordinated efforts between parents, transport operators and law enforcement to ensure safe movement of learners.

“Our children are returning from school for holidays. We remind parents, transport leaders, Police and even the media to play their roles so that no child gets into danger,” Mayambala said. He added that taxi park guides and enforcement teams have been instructed to monitor the parks closely and assist any student who appears stranded.

He advised parents to ensure their children board from gazetted taxi parks, noting that it is the only way UTOF can help trace lost luggage or intervene if a problem arises. “If you board from the roadside, it becomes hard for us to help because some people pretending to be taxi operators are actually thieves,” he warned.

Hajji Majid Nsiko, Chairman of Mbale State in the Old Taxi Park and UTOF Vice Chairman for operations, also urged parents of boarding school learners to personally pick up their children or send someone trustworthy. He noted that some students ignore instructions and board from ungazetted spots, exposing themselves to risk. He encouraged parents to label children’s luggage with contact details for easier recovery.

Meanwhile, across the political landscape, presidential candidates continued rallying supporters as the countdown to 15th January 2026 gains pace.

In Kabale, NRM flag bearer President Yoweri Museveni told residents that infrastructure alone cannot eliminate poverty unless households take responsibility for creating wealth. He highlighted government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model as tools intended to uplift communities. “Kabale had tarmac even in the 1950s, but poverty stayed. The real solution is fighting poverty at household level,” he said.

In Mukono, National Unity Platform NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi urged residents to unite in the struggle for political change and invited supporters to continue following his campaign as he heads to Buikwe District.

Forum for Democratic Change FDC presidential candidate Hon. Nandala Mafabi, speaking in Mayuge District, called on Ugandans to replace the current government peacefully and expressed confidence in his ability to lead at national level. “I will carry the same leadership qualities you know to the national stage, if you give me that chance,” he said.

With the school term closing and campaigns intensifying, both transport operators and politicians are urging Ugandans to act responsibly, whether ensuring the safety of learners or choosing the leadership they want in the upcoming elections.