Report: Most schools can’t control fires

Fire outbreaks in schools have been a persistent issue, with the police regularly issuing reports on such incidents.

The 2023 annual crime report indicates that there were 61 recorded fire outbreaks in schools, an increase from 55 reported in 2022. These tragic incidents resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals in 2023 alone, spanning across educational institutions at all levels throughout the country.

The 2024 National Build Review Board report sheds light on the fire safety standards in Ugandan educational institutions, revealing a concerning lack of compliance with established fire safety measures.

According to the report, dormitories are the most vulnerable to fire outbreaks, often with catastrophic consequences. The most severe incidents typically occur at night when learners are asleep, disproportionately affecting the youngest pupils, those under 10 years old, and those with special needs.

These fires not only lead to the tragic loss of life but also cause significant injuries, extensive property damage, and profound emotional and psychological trauma among survivors. The report underscores the urgent need for schools to adhere to strict fire safety protocols to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

The report reveals that among the 132 schools visited, most lacked critical fire safety measures, including designated fire safety officers, fire assembly areas, fire alarm systems, fire hose reels, fire hydrants, fire exits, emergency exit signage, fire extinguishers, and fire sprinkler systems.

Notably, King’s College Budo was found to be the most prepared in the event of a fire outbreak, scoring 65 percent. It was followed by Uganda Martyrs High School at 55 percent, with Hillside Nursery and Primary School, and St. Michael Lubaga Hospital Training Schools,, each scoreing 50 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, Namilyango College and Christ Giant High School were among the least prepared, each scoring only 15 percent.

The report indicates, “School dormitories were overcrowded, and they housed students beyond the recommended capacity. Lubiri Secondary School had 60 students, which is the maximum recommended number; Namilyango College had four extra students; and Makerere College had three, among others.”

The report also highlighted issues of overcrowding in dormitories, noting that many housed students beyond their recommended capacities.

The board emphasized the need for increased sensitization of learners and school administrators about fire safety. It also called for the strict enforcement of building standards and prioritized the goals of fire prevention, early detection and alarm systems, and the safe evacuation of learners in its recommendations.

Prominent cases of fire outbreaks in schools

On March 18, 2024, a tragic fire at Victory Nursery and Primary School in Busia resulted in the deaths of four children. Previously, on October 29, 2023, another fire at Kasana Junior School in Nyendo, Masaka claimed the lives of seven pupils, with four additional pupils hospitalized.

October 25, 2022, was marked by a devastating incident at Salama School for the Blind in Mukono, where 12 learners perished and four were treated for burns. The police determined this fire was an act of arson. On January 15, 2022, a fire at New Crest Kibedi School in Kawempe led to the deaths of four children, and two others were admitted with respiratory issues.

Ministry of Education

Following the release of the report, Ketty Lamaro, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Education and Sports, announced that the ministry will conduct inspections of boarding facilities during the school term. Appropriate actions will be taken against school operations that do not meet the required standards.

“A checklist for assessing compliance has been developed for use during inspections. School managers should carry out self-evaluations and address necessary improvements ahead of the inspection,” she stated.

The checklist for compliance includes several requirements: a valid registration certificate for the school from the ministry, written permission to operate the boarding facility, and proof of ownership, lease, or tenancy agreement of the school premises, which must be drawn up by an advocate or lawyer for schools in rental locations.

Also required are approved building plans, up-to-date daily dormitory registers, and food safety guidelines. Additional safety measures listed include functional safety and security committees, school-based policies on safety and security, lightning arrestors, CCTV cameras, regular fire drills, secure fencing, and controlled access.