Uganda Police Issue Safety Alert as Schools Resume.
Uganda's police warned parents and schools about safety risks as students return to class this term. Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma outlined threats ranging from fraud to fire hazards.
Kituuma told reporters that banks face increased fraud during school fee payments. Criminals pretend to be customers inside banks or wait outside to target parents. He urged banks to boost security and parents to use mobile payments.
The police raised the alarm about young students traveling alone. "Kidnappers are out there looking for targets," Kituuma said. He asked parents to escort children and schools to check who picks them up.
Students have smuggled drugs, weapons, and phones into schools, police reported. Parents must check bags before students leave home. Schools need strict rules about phones and other devices that could access inappropriate content.
Medical emergencies pose another risk when parents fail to share their children's health conditions with schools. Kituuma called for clear protocols for handling student illnesses and complete health records.
The police found that many schools lack proper security measures. Some allow strangers to collect students without proper identification. Kituuma urged schools to keep detailed visitor records and install security cameras.
Fire safety remains a critical concern. Research shows that 18% of Ugandan schools experienced fires, yet 84% lacked safety plans. Only 8% have fire alarms. "Schools with 50 students in dormitories operate without fire extinguishers," Kituuma said.
Violence affects many students. Studies reveal over 90% of primary school pupils faced physical harm from staff. Half reported incidents in the past week.
"We will arrest administrators who ignore safety rules," Kituuma warned. He called for strict inspections to ensure schools meet safety standards.
The police urged immediate action from all parties involved in student safety. "These warnings carry real consequences. We will hold people accountable for protecting children," Kituuma said.
Uganda's police warned parents and schools about safety risks as students return to class this term. Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma outlined threats ranging from fraud to fire hazards.
Kituuma told reporters that banks face increased fraud during school fee payments. Criminals pretend to be customers inside banks or wait outside to target parents. He urged banks to boost security and parents to use mobile payments.
The police raised the alarm about young students traveling alone. "Kidnappers are out there looking for targets," Kituuma said. He asked parents to escort children and schools to check who picks them up.
Students have smuggled drugs, weapons, and phones into schools, police reported. Parents must check bags before students leave home. Schools need strict rules about phones and other devices that could access inappropriate content.
Medical emergencies pose another risk when parents fail to share their children's health conditions with schools. Kituuma called for clear protocols for handling student illnesses and complete health records.
The police found that many schools lack proper security measures. Some allow strangers to collect students without proper identification. Kituuma urged schools to keep detailed visitor records and install security cameras.
Fire safety remains a critical concern. Research shows that 18% of Ugandan schools experienced fires, yet 84% lacked safety plans. Only 8% have fire alarms. "Schools with 50 students in dormitories operate without fire extinguishers," Kituuma said.
Violence affects many students. Studies reveal over 90% of primary school pupils faced physical harm from staff. Half reported incidents in the past week.
"We will arrest administrators who ignore safety rules," Kituuma warned. He called for strict inspections to ensure schools meet safety standards.
The police urged immediate action from all parties involved in student safety. "These warnings carry real consequences. We will hold people accountable for protecting children," Kituuma said.
