The recent fire incidents at two schools within Kasese District have unveiled alarming shortcomings in the emergency response by the police fire brigade and the schools’ commitment to maintaining safety standards.
On the last day of February, a devastating blaze ravaged a boys’ dormitory at Margherita Demonstration Primary School, leading to a complete loss of the students’ belongings. In a subsequent and equally distressing event, an electrical fault caused a significant fire at Bukangara Childcare Nursery and Primary School, resulting in substantial property damage. These events have brought to light the distressing reality of delayed and inadequate police response in times of dire need.
Mr. Alfred Kule, the director of Bukangara Childcare, described the scene of despair when the police arrived without the necessary equipment to fight the fire. He also pointed out the police fire tanker’s late arrival, which occurred after community members and school officials had already made desperate attempts to extinguish the fire using soil.
Mr. Nixon Marahi, the head teacher at Margherita Demonstration Primary, provided a detailed account of the fire’s toll, including the destruction of essential student items and parts of the school’s infrastructure. He emphasized that the extent of the damage could have been significantly reduced if the police had responded more promptly.
In the aftermath, a school director openly criticized the police’s slow response and the government’s apparent lack of commitment to fire safety during a meeting with parents.
SP Nelson Tumushime, the regional police spokesperson, contested any insinuations of police inadequacy, suggesting that the schools were looking to shift the blame. He admitted to the limited resources at the police’s disposal, with only two firefighting units available for a region that includes four police divisions.
SP Tumushime also reprimanded the schools for their failure to implement the Ministry of Education and Sports’ safety guidelines, which call for essential fire safety measures. Mr. Emmy Kayiiri, the municipal education officer, supported this stance and indicated that measures would be taken against schools that fail to comply with safety standards.
This situation underscores the critical need for not only improved emergency response measures but also for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and security of their students, ensuring that they are equipped to handle any emergencies that may arise.
