UNICEF is deeply saddened by the recent road accidents that have claimed the lives of school-going children in Uganda, leaving families, schools and communities in mourning, the UNICEF Country Representative , Dr Robin Nandy, has said in a statement issued in the Capital Kampala.
” Dn behalf of UNICEF, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families, classmates and communities affected. No parent should send a child to school and never see them return home.These are preventable deaths, and every child lost on Uganda’s roads is one too many.,” Nandy said in a statement read for him by ms. Catherine Ntabadde, the Communications specialist UNICEF Uganda.
Dr Robin Nandy, the UNICEF Representative and Head of Office in Uganda
“Every child has the right to travel to school and return home safely. Road safety is a child rights issue, linked to survival, education and a safe environment,” he added.
UNICEF commended the government of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen enforcement of traffic rules and improve safety in and around schools, and the Ministry of Education and Sports’ swift response, including the suspension of all school trips and strengthening new guidelines for school travel.
Schools have been reminded to use only roadworthy, licensed vehicles driven by qualified, well-rested drivers, ‣onduct proper risk assessments and maintain adequate teacher supervision throughout every journey. Ever so, more urgent action is needed to reduce speeding near schools, provide safe crossings and walking paths and strengthen emergency care
Globally, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents aged 5 to 19, with low and middle-income countries carrying the greatest burden.
“Lower speeds save lives: a child hit at 30 kilometres per hour has a much better chance of survival than one hit at 50, ” Dr. Nandy said.
