UNICEF mourns school children lost in road crashes, calls for stronger road safety measures

22 July 2026, 6:17 pm

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

UNICEF has expressed deep sorrow over the recent road accidents that claimed the lives of school-going children in Uganda, calling for stronger measures to ensure children’s safety on the country’s roads.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, extended condolences to the families, classmates and communities affected by the tragic incidents.

“Every child has the right to travel to school and return home safely,” the statement reads, adding that no parent should send a child to school and never see them return home.

UNICEF described the deaths as preventable, emphasizing that road safety is a child rights issue directly linked to children’s survival, education and their right to a safe environment.

The organization commended the Government of Uganda for strengthening enforcement of traffic regulations and improving safety around schools. It also welcomed the Ministry of Education and Sports’ decision to suspend all school trips following the recent accidents while reviewing and strengthening guidelines for school travel.

According to UNICEF, schools have been reminded to use only roadworthy and licensed vehicles driven by qualified and well-rested drivers. They have also been urged to conduct proper risk assessments and ensure adequate teacher supervision during all school journeys.

However, UNICEF said more needs to be done to protect children, including reducing speeding near schools, providing safe pedestrian crossings and walkways, and improving emergency medical response for crash victims.

The agency noted that road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and adolescents aged between 5 and 19 years globally, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the greatest burden.

UNICEF further stressed that lower vehicle speeds can significantly reduce fatalities, noting that a child struck by a vehicle travelling at 30 kilometres per hour has a much higher chance of survival than one hit at 50 kilometres per hour.