NEWS- The Uganda Police force has issued guidelines ahead of schools reopening today Monday 16th September 2024.
According to the Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, it is crucial to share security and safety tips with all stakeholders as most schools reopen for the third academic term.
He noted that the return of children to school involves safety issues, bearings on public transport and security generally since there are financial transactions.
Rusoke appealed to the banks to promote alternative payment methods such as digital wallets and online banking so as to reduce incidents of on-counter cash transactions stressing that this will help in mitigating the associated risks but also reduce on the inconvenience arising from crowding at banks.
Police spokesperson encouraged Parents and guardians to mitigate the most common acts of negligence by parents noticed by the force as the following.
1. Children to go to school without adult supervision. If an adult is accompanying them, it should be someone trustworthy.
2. Some parents deliver their children to school but drop them off at a distance instead of directly at the school entrance, leaving the children to walk to their destinations on their own.
Rusoke appealed to the school Administrators to ensure the following when receiving students if they are to ensure their health has been verified.
1. Inspect pupils’ belongings, as they may contain illegal substances, distracting gadgets, or dangerous weapons that could harm others.
2. Establish clear procedures for enrolling and announcing students and document these procedures. Be wary of people who come to pick up their child and provide incomplete personal information, such as a name (e.g., John) or incomplete contact information.
“Additionally, vehicles entering the school premises must be checked. The overall safety of the school environment is of paramount importance. We deal with all dangers, such as open listening such as latrines and compromised structures” Rusoke added.
The police spokesperson also urged the stakeholders to maintain a functional fire extinguisher to improve safety measures.
