The recent spate of fires at two schools in the Kasese District has laid bare critical lapses in the emergency response protocols of the police fire brigade and the adherence to safety regulations by educational institutions.
On the rare date of February 29, a conflagration swept through a boys’ dormitory at Margherita Demonstration Primary School, resulting in the loss of students’ personal items. This was soon followed by a similar disaster at Bukangara Childcare Nursery and Primary School, where it is believed an electrical short-circuit sparked extensive property damage. These incidents have shone a light on the police’s subpar response when called upon to douse the flames.
Mr. Alfred Kule, the director of Bukangara Childcare, reported a disconcerting scene where the police arrived ill-equipped for fire combat. He recounted the belated arrival of the police fire tanker, long after community members and school officials had resorted to using soil to fight the fire.
Mr. Nixon Marahi, head teacher at Margherita Demonstration Primary, detailed the destruction wrought by the fire, including essential bedding and storage items, as well as structural damage. He suggested that a more timely response from the police could have significantly reduced the severity of the incident.
In the wake of the fires, a school director raised concerns about the police’s delayed reaction and the government’s commitment to fire safety during a meeting with parents.
In response to these concerns, SP Nelson Tumushime, the regional police spokesperson, denied any shortcomings in the police’s capabilities, hinting instead that the schools were looking to pass the blame. He admitted to the limitations in resources, with only two firefighting units available for a large area encompassing four police divisions.
SP Tumushime also criticized the schools for not following the Ministry of Education and Sports’ safety guidelines, which include having adequate fire safety measures in place. Mr. Emmy Kayiiri, the municipal education officer, echoed these criticisms and indicated that punitive measures would be taken against schools that fail to comply with safety standards.
This narrative not only calls for improved emergency response measures but also emphasizes the urgent need for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, ensuring that they are prepared for any eventuality.
