By Raymond Baguma

The Police on Monday issued guidelines for security in schools countrywide as students began reporting to school for the third term.

The Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Ibin Senkumbi addressed journalist during the weekly press briefing at the Central Police Station.

He said that following recent fire outbreaks that have caused deaths and destruction of property, school managements, heads and teachers have a responsibility to protect the lives of children.

“There was laxity which caused fires. We call on administrators to implement the regulations. We are going to carry out surveys for compliance with the guidelines,” Senkumbi said.

The guidelines outline that schools must have a fence, gate which should be manned by security guards on a 24-hour basis. Also, there should be checking gadgets at the gates.

Also, the guidelines issued, prohibit the use of triple-decker beds in school dormitories, there should be no burglar proofing and fire extinguishers with fire detectors should be installed in the dormitories.

Also, schools administrators are supposed to carry out checks as students’ items as they report for the school term and be on the lookout for forbidden items such as drugs.

“Some drugs are readily available places such as supermarkets and shops and students have easy access to them,” Senkumbi said.