To reduce the frequency of fire outbreaks in schools and the ensuing injuries, fatalities, and property loss, Vivo Energy Uganda recently launched the “Cool Kids Stop Fires” fire safety education programme for Ugandan schools. Together with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Uganda Police Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services will administer the programme.
“A crucial aspect of our business is upholding the highest worldwide Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ) standards. We want to use our vast experience and knowledge to help the country reduce the number of school fires, which are on the rise and pose a serious threat to the safety of our children and school property. “Through this campaign, we will impart fire safety education to students and stakeholders of educational institutions and skill them in the prevention, detection, and management of school fires to prevent the loss of life and property,” said Johan Grobbelaar, ManpowerGroup.
A total of 1,258 fire emergencies were handled in 2021 compared to 1,015 in 2020, which is a 23.9% increase, according to the Uganda Police 2021 Annual Crime Report. Negligence, electrical short circuits, charcoal stoves, and unattended candles or lamps were among the leading causes of fire occurrences.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. John Martin Okoth Ochola, stated during the campaign’s launch that school fires were on the rise, particularly during the first and second terms of the year as well as from May to August.
‘’During this time, we have recorded more than fifty school fires, most of which have happened in boarding institutions, more specifically in the dorms. Children’s lives, their possessions, the properties of the impacted schools, and the nation’s economy are all at stake as a result of these frequent school fires. Mass awareness campaigns, firefighter training, and improved fire safety measures implemented by schools through the installation of smoke detectors and sirens are all necessary. We appreciate Vivo Energy Uganda’s sponsorship, which will enable us to spread the word about this crucial and life-saving programme to more school personnel and students’’ he added
The Ministry of Works and Transport established a commission to assess educational, commercial, and residential buildings and determine compliance with established fire prevention requirements as one of the government’s interventions to stop the escalating fire outbreaks. Private school operators, the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Uganda Police, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development make up the committee.
“This campaign has various components including school outreaches to enhance fire safety knowledge and preparedness, donation of fire detection equipment and mass sensitization on fire safety. Vivo Energy brings on board key assets including a strong HSSEQ set of standards, culture, expertise, and skilled staff with time tested fire fighting experience, and with a desire to impart fire safety education and basics in fire management by way of training to school heads and students,” Mr Grobbelaar added.
Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, who was the guest of honour, praised the collaboration between Vivo Energy Uganda and Uganda Police, calling it a necessary initiative and a timely response to the frequent school fires that disrupt the educational system and students’ learning processes.
“Our children are supposed to study in safe environments at school. The high rates of school fires that go unattended are caused by negligence and a lack of preventative measures, such as the installation of prescribed firefighting apparatus, which is incredibly depressing to observe. The Ministry will intensify inspection of this area in response to the order issued on fire safety management in schools to ensure compliance in educational institutions. I urge head teachers to put the security of the kids in their charge first by taking these preventative measures, “Hon. Dr. Kaducu added.
The installation of fire alarms and cameras by schools, fire sensitization, as well as drills and regular inspections of schools for compliance with safety standards, are urgent issues that need to be addressed, according to the Uganda Police. Security enhancement at schools with dormitories guarded when students are off is another urgent issue that needs to be addressed.
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