By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
As schools prepares to reopen for third term and close the 2024 academic year, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has sounded a warning over the possible cases of school fires in the country.
Sharon Oyat Arach, the party spokesperson said at a press conference on Wednesday that the country has experienced numerous cases of fire breakouts in schools claiming lives of learners and damaging their properties. She urged the government and school administrators to prioritize fire safety and ensure that fire prevention measures are in place.
“We have, in the recent past suffered fire outbreaks at schools with registered loss of lives and property. The schools and other learning institutions need to be well secured with fire detectors and thunder deflectors,” she said
A February 2024 report by the National Building Review Board (NBRB) on fire safety in schools revealed that 35% of the fires occur in schools. Other fire incidents according to the report occur in commercial buildings (52%) and residential buildings (13%).
“Our investigations revealed that every two of three fires are started intentionally (arson) or by negligent action,” read NBRB report 2024, in parts.
Furthermore, the board noted that many schools do not have a fire tender, lack fire hydrants and detectors while others exceeds the occupancy limit for dormitories which puts the lives of learners at a risk in case of fire outbreaks. The NBRB report indicated that in the recent reported school fires, many younger learners (10 years and below) and those with special needs have suffered the most severe effects.
However, UPC suggests for a regular checks in schools and education institutions to ensure compliance to fire safety guidelines. Arach called for quick response to fire incidents by the police and fire brigade whenever alerted. According to her, this will minimize on cases of school fires in Uganda.
