The recent series of fires at educational establishments in Kasese District has alarmingly exposed the inadequacies in the emergency response capabilities of the police fire brigade and the commitment of schools to adhere to safety standards.
On the rare date of February 29, a devastating blaze swept through a boys’ dormitory at Margherita Demonstration Primary School, leading to the complete loss of the students’ personal items. In a subsequent tragic event, an electrical mishap caused a significant fire at Bukangara Childcare Nursery and Primary School, resulting in extensive property damage. These incidents have brought to the forefront the distressing inadequacy of the police’s response when their immediate assistance was crucial.
Mr. Alfred Kule, the director of Bukangara Childcare, recounted the disheartening scenario when the police arrived without the necessary firefighting equipment. He also highlighted the police fire tanker’s delayed arrival, which occurred after the school staff and local community had already made attempts to extinguish the fire using soil.
Mr. Nixon Marahi, the head teacher at Margherita Demonstration Primary, detailed the extensive damage caused by the fire, including the destruction of essential student items and parts of the school’s infrastructure. He suggested that the damage could have been minimized with a more prompt response from the police.
In the wake of the fires, a school director expressed concerns about the police’s response time and the government’s commitment to fire safety during a meeting with parents.
SP Nelson Tumushime, the regional police spokesperson, disputed any suggestions of police inadequacy, implying that the schools were attempting 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 not only underscores the urgent need for enhanced emergency response measures but also highlights the importance of educational institutions prioritizing the safety and security of their students. It calls for a collaborative effort between government agencies and schools to ensure that safety protocols are effectively implemented and regularly reviewed for efficacy. The events serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting fire safety and the critical role of preparedness in safeguarding our communities.
