By THE INDEPENDENT UG
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | According to the latest research findings from the National Buildings Review Board (NBRB), only 13 percent of schools in Uganda have implemented mechanisms to protect learners against fire outbreaks and their consequences. The assessment, conducted in collaboration with various ministries, the Uganda police, and private school proprietors’ association, sampled 120 schools nationwide, including government-owned and privately owned primary and secondary schools.
The research revealed that, among all fire incidents in the country, 35 percent occur in schools, with commercial buildings and residential buildings accounting for 52 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Human actions, particularly arson, were identified as the primary cause, responsible for two out of every three fires. Other significant causes included negligence with items like charcoal stoves, electrical faults, natural occurrences like lightning, and maintenance works like welding.
Flavia Bwire, the Executive Secretary of NBRB, highlighted that the impact of fires in schools disproportionately affects younger learners, especially in sleeping areas such as dormitories at night. She noted, “The younger learners (10 years and below) and those with special needs have suffered the most severe effects.” Key findings from the research indicated that none of the visited dormitories had an automatic fire detection and alarm system. Some schools lacked basic firefighting equipment, utilized inappropriate burglar-proofing, lacked fire safety knowledge and emergency response, and had insufficient or blocked exit doors.
In addition to the previously mentioned deficiencies, the research found that none of the schools had a fire hydrant point, only 13 percent of the dormitories were within their occupancy limits, and the highest level of firefighting preparedness was 62 percent, observed in a school that had previously experienced a fire incident. In response to this alarming situation, the NBRB has directed building committees and control officers to inspect all school buildings in their jurisdiction and issue certification of compliance.
Flavia Bwire emphasized the urgent need for heightened public awareness of fire safety, increased collaboration among all stakeholders, and the reinforcement of enforcement mechanisms as outlined in the Building Control Act of 2020. Fire safety data from the Uganda Police Force indicates that the country has been witnessing an average of at least three fire incidents daily from 2009 to 2022. The research findings underscore the critical necessity for comprehensive measures to enhance fire safety in educational institutions across Uganda.
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