Police urge vigilance, adherence to security protocols as school third term opens

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The Police have issued a strong safety advisory to parents, school administrators, and the general public, urging vigilance and adherence to security protocols to ensure the safety of students during this critical transition period as the new school term opens.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, on Monday, September 15, 2025, highlighted recurring challenges observed at the beginning of every school term, ranging from criminal activities to negligence and procedural lapses by both schools and parents.

One of the key concerns raised was the increase in conmen targeting parents, especially around banking facilities where school fees are being paid.

“Criminals take advantage of the congestion and urgency at banks. We encourage parents and schools to embrace electronic transactions where possible, to eliminate the risk posed by middlemen—often disguised as helpers but actually fraudsters,” he advised during the weekly joint security briefing at the Uganda Police Force headquarters at Naguru, Kampala.

Child security, custody conflicts

Kituuma also addressed a growing concern over child custody disputes that spill over into schools. In several cases, one parent drops off a child, while another, often in a custody dispute, picks the child up without notifying the school, sometimes leading to kidnapping allegations.

“These disputes drag schools and even the Police into unnecessary conflicts. Schools must enforce strict drop-off and pick-up protocols, clearly identifying who is authorised to collect a child,” he warned.

He recounted incidents where a child disappeared from school grounds, only to later be found, and urged school authorities to enhance internal surveillance and reporting structures.

Health disclosures, emergencies

Another critical issue highlighted was the failure by some parents to declare chronic illnesses that their children may be suffering from.

“We’ve seen cases where a child suffers a medical emergency, and the school had no prior knowledge of any condition. This can lead to wrongful suspicion against the school. We urge parents to be transparent and for schools to take an interest in each child’s health profile,” Kituuma said.

Drugs, dangerous items in schools

The Police also raised red flags about students, particularly older ones, smuggling illicit drugs and dangerous items into school premises.

“These suitcases must be inspected. We’ve intercepted cases where students bring in drugs, which then lead to peer recruitment into bad habits like smoking. Some even sneak in dangerous weapons,” he revealed.

Kituuma emphasised that this is not only a disciplinary issue but also a serious security concern, and schools must treat it with urgency.

During the event, Kituuma strongly urged school administrators, parents, and guardians to work closely to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

“These issues—from conmen at banks to custody disputes, undeclared illnesses, and smuggled contraband—are avoidable. All it takes is clear communication, transparency, and cooperation,” Kituuma said.

As the new term begins, the Uganda Police remains on high alert and ready to support schools in safeguarding students across the country.