Why your child's safety at school is important

Children need a safe environment to study

Alice Nakintu, a resident in Lwadda A in Matugga, Wakiso district, says at the school where her children study from, the guard allows strangers to enter the school premises. 

She adds that it is easy to access most of the schools in Matugga without much scrutiny. 

"There is a school where pupils come in any time they want and no one subjects them to thorough checkups as long as they are putting on school uniform".

"Some schools in the area have checkpoints, just for formality. School management teams must establish and strengthen school security", she says.

Godfrey Lutaaya, the headteacher at God's Will Junior School in Matugga says at times the surrounding environment affects the security of a school. 

"For schools, security must be reinforced and checkups must be compulsory for all children ", he says. 

Standard structures 

According to David Kireli, an engineer at the education ministry, schools are supposed to invest 2% of their annual income in reinforcing security. 

"For boarding schools, one must consider a possibility of fire outbreaks when constructing dormitories. A dormitory should at least have two exits, fire extinguishers and lightning conductors installed", he says. 

"The ministry demands that schools should have all construction plans approved by the ministry's construction unit.

What is needed at the premises? 

Medi Sebalu, a security expert, says security guards must be well trained, but he lamented that some people prefer to employ relatives and friends who lack training. 

"This security should not be taken for granted, but rather should be used as a stepping stone for strengthening safety for all students in and outside the school setting", he advises