As schools reopen across the country, the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police have raised concerns over safety and security risks that commonly emerge at the start of a new term, calling for coordinated efforts to protect learners, staff, and parents.
Police highlight that unsafe transport, possession of prohibited items, weak access control, and inadequate emergency preparedness continue to pose significant risks in learning institutions.
To address these challenges, the police have issued guidelines aimed at preventing incidents before they escalate.
SP Tayebwa Apollo, the Regional Community Liaison Officer and Police Public Relations Officer, urged parents and guardians to take responsibility during school returns.
He advised that children should be handed over personally to school authorities, luggage thoroughly checked for dangerous or illegal items such as drugs and sharp objects, and traffic rules strictly observed while transporting learners.
He stressed that road accidents involving school children remain a major concern during this period.
SP Tayebwa also reminded school administrations that security gaps often expose learners to danger.
He called on schools to strengthen entry point checks, improve perimeter security, install surveillance cameras and fire safety equipment, and enforce strict access control systems.
“Regular counselling on stress management and discipline, surprise inspections for prohibited items, and prompt reporting of criminal incidents to the nearest police stations are key preventive measures,” he said.
He further urged learners to adhere to school rules, avoid negative peer influence, and report suspicious activities, noting that silence often allows minor problems to escalate into serious security threats.
