The recent chain of fires in Kasese District’s schools has starkly highlighted the deficiencies in the police fire brigade’s emergency response and the schools’ adherence to safety protocols.
On the unique date of February 29, a fire engulfed a boys’ dormitory at Margherita Demonstration Primary School, resulting in the loss of students’ possessions. Shortly after, another blaze, reportedly due to an electrical fault, caused extensive damage at Bukangara Childcare Nursery and Primary School. These incidents have emphasized the police’s insufficient response when assistance was needed to extinguish the fires.
The director of Bukangara Childcare, Mr. Alfred Kule, reported that the police arrived without firefighting gear. Furthermore, he stated that the police fire tanker arrived much later, after locals and school staff had already attempted to put out the fire with soil.
Mr. Nixon Marahi, the head teacher at Margherita Demonstration Primary, detailed the extensive damage caused by the fire, including essential student items and the building’s structure. He suggested that the damage could have been minimized with a more prompt response from the police.
In the aftermath of the fires, a school director questioned the police’s response time and the government’s commitment to fire safety during a meeting with parents.
However, SP Nelson Tumushime, the regional police spokesperson, disputed any suggestions of police inadequacy, implying that the schools were trying to shift the blame. He acknowledged the limited resources, noting that the region has only two firefighting units for four police divisions.
SP Tumushime also criticized the schools for not adhering to the Ministry of Education and Sports’ safety guidelines, which include having proper fire safety measures in place. Mr. Emmy Kayiiri, the municipal education officer, supported this criticism and indicated that measures would be taken against schools that fail to comply with safety standards.
This situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced emergency response measures and for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and security of their students, ensuring that they are prepared for any emergencies that may arise. It also calls for a collaborative effort between government agencies and schools to ensure that safety protocols are not only in place but are also effectively implemented and regularly reviewed for efficacy.
