By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
BUSHENYI
With schools reopening for the 2026 academic year, Police have heightened calls for fire safety compliance across Greater Bushenyi districts.
SP Apollo Tayebwa, the Regional Community Liaison Officer and Police Public Relations Officer says school administrators should to prioritise safety of learners and staff through installation and maintenance of fire prevention and response systems.
At least four fire incidents were reported in different schools in Greater Bushenyi districts of Mitooma and Rubirizi last year
On July 29, 2025, Rugazi Central Primary School main hall caught fire after pupils were allegedly influenced by a teacher; Andrew Wabyoona, 30, to burn a maize garden behind the structure. The flames also damaged windows in the head teacher’s office and the staffroom.
A month later, a dormitory and pupils’ property were destroyed in a fire at All Saints Preparatory School in Nyakasharu Ward, Rubirizi Town Council, Rubirizi district.
In Mitooma district, Kyeibare Girls Secondary School lost property worth millions when fire gutted the Australian dormitory housing 54 girls on July 12, 2025. Nearly two months later, another fire destroyed a boys’ dormitory at Nyakishojwa Secondary School following a student protest over alleged assault by a student teacher. Police attributed the fire at Nyakishojwa SSS largely to the mishandling of student affairs by the school administrators.
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded in any of the incidents. Nevertheless, Police say the incidents expose serious gaps in school emergency preparedness.
Tayebwa emphasized that schools must ensure essential fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire sensors and alarm systems, are installed and regularly inspected to prevent fire outbreaks and minimise potential disasters.
“School administrations must implement adequate safety measures such as installing fire sensors, fire extinguishers and ensuring proper emergency preparedness to protect learners and staff,” Tayebwa said.
He also advised school authorities to conduct routine safety inspections at entry points and within school premises to detect hazardous materials that may cause fires or endanger learners.
According to Police, institutions should also establish and enforce strict access control measures to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing school premises, which could expose schools to security and fire risks.
Tayebwa further urged regular counseling of students in stress management, and timely reporting of all criminal incidents to relevant authorities.
Parents and guardians have also been urged to thoroughly check their children’s belongings before reporting to school to detect illegal items such as drugs, alcohol and prohibited gadgets.
“Parents should physically hand over their children to school administrators and check their luggage for prohibited items such as drugs and knives,” Tayebwa said.
He also called on parents and guardians to observe traffic regulations while transporting children to and from school to ensure their safety.
