Police in Kigezi and Rwenzori East regions have announced enhanced safety measures ahead of the reopening of schools for the third term on September 14, urging parents, school administrators and road users to remain vigilant.
The measures are aimed at preventing road crashes, traffic congestion, theft and other crimes that tend to increase as learners return to school.
In Kigezi, the regional police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, urged parents to accompany children below 12 years to school and check their luggage to ensure they do not carry alcohol, drugs or dangerous items.
Parents were also advised to inform school administrators about their children’s health conditions and establish the identity and registration number of the driver or boda boda rider transporting their children.
School administrators have been asked to thoroughly inspect learners’ luggage and maintain records of all visitors and motor vehicles entering school premises.
They have also been advised to check learners for signs of child abuse that may have occurred during the holiday and strengthen security at school gates, dormitories and fences.
Tumushime asked schools to identify and address safety hazards, including open manholes, faulty electrical wiring and dilapidated latrines, while ensuring that fire-fighting equipment and CCTV cameras are installed where necessary.
In the transport sector, Tumushime warned drivers against speeding, overloading and drunk driving, and urged owners of private and school vehicles to ensure that their vehicles are in good mechanical condition.
CUE IN SP TUMUSHIME….ON THE CALL….RR/ENG//
Relatedly, Rwenzori East regional police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate urged road users to plan their journeys as roads are expected to become busier with the return of learners.
He urged drivers to observe the Highway Code and avoid speeding, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
ASP Maate warned that police would not tolerate indiscipline, saying the force is mandated to protect life and property and maintain law and order.
Police in both regions called on parents, school administrators, transport operators and the general public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safe reopening and secure third term for learners.
CUE IN MAATE….ON THE CALL….RR/ENG//
