Kampala, (UG):- As schools across the country brace to reopen for the first term, the Uganda Police Force has issued a strong appeal to stakeholders, including parents, school administrators, and financial institutions, to prioritize safety and security.
Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma on Monday emphasized the need for vigilance, citing various security concerns related to the school reopening period.
“The return of children to school involves safety issues, bearing on public transport and security generally since there are financial transactions,” ACP Kituuma told journalists during the Police’s weekly press briefing at Naguru headquarters.
Security in Banks
Banks, which often experience increased activity during school reopening, have been urged to tighten security measures. “We appeal to banks to heighten security in and around the bank premises to check potential fraudsters and con men,” said the police publicist.
Kituuma also encouraged financial institutions to promote alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets and online banking, to minimize risks associated with on-counter cash transactions.
The police have also highlighted common acts of negligence among parents and guardians that compromise the safety of children. ACP Kituuma noted that some children travel to school without adult supervision, which increases their vulnerability. “If an adult is accompanying them, it should be someone trustworthy,” he advised.
Additionally, he warned parents to be more attentive to the items their children carry to school. “Some students smuggle drugs, alcohol, distracting gadgets, and even weapons,” ACP Kituuma revealed, urging parents to communicate vital medical information about children with chronic conditions to school authorities to ensure proper care and response in case of emergencies.
To School Administrators
ACP Kituuma urged school administrators to ensure a safe environment for learners. “When receiving students, ensure their health has been verified,” he stressed. Kituuma also advised schools to conduct thorough inspections of students’ belongings to prevent the entry of illegal substances and dangerous weapons.
He emphasized that proper procedures for dropping off and picking up children must be established to enhance security. “Some parents who come to pick up their children provide incomplete personal information, such as a name (e.g., John) or incomplete contact information. This stifles investigations in the event of an incident,” Kituuma stated.
The police also emphasized the importance of maintaining safe school infrastructure. “We deal with all dangers, such as open manholes, compromised structures such as dilapidated latrines, and old school blocks,” ACP Kituuma noted.
He concluded by encouraging schools to keep functional fire extinguishers on their premises and train both students and staff on their use. “Maintain functional fire extinguishers in school premises to improve safety measures. Furthermore, train as many students and staff on how to use them,” he said.
As schools settle into the new term, parents, school administrators, and financial institutions are urged to heed these guidelines and work together to ensure the well-being of learners.
Send us your story or opinion on: [email protected]. You can also follow Daily Express on WhatsApp for all the latest news and updates.
