As schools across the country reopen for the new academic year today, the Uganda Police Force has urged parents and guardians of boarding school learners to thoroughly inspect their children’s luggage to prevent them from carrying prohibited items.
Frank Rusoke Kituuma, the police spokesperson, stated that during community policing activities, authorities have encountered cases where students bring dangerous items such as knives, matchboxes, illicit drugs, and alcoholic beverages, which pose risks to school safety.
“We call upon parents, guardians, and school administrations to pay close attention when checking students’ luggage before they enter school premises,” Rusoke emphasized.
He further noted that items such as mobile phones and drugs not only pose security threats but also distract students from their studies.
“Sometimes, while others are in class revising, one student may be hiding somewhere using a phone that contains pornographic material,” Rusoke warned.
Additionally, the police cautioned parents against failing to disclose their children’s chronic medical conditions to school authorities, as this could put the students’ health at risk.The police also raised concerns about young pupils being sent to school alone without adult supervision.
Officers warned that allowing children to walk to school unaccompanied exposes them to dangers such as kidnapping.
“There are people in the community who may abduct these children for ransom,” the police warned.
Parents and guardians have been urged to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of their children as they return to school.
