Faulty wiring, fire safety gaps raise alarm as schools reopen for first term
“Faulty and exposed wiring remains one of our biggest concerns. Children come into contact with live wires, and in some cases, we have registered fatalities,” Kituuma said.
Rusoke warned that schools with poor electrical installations would be held accountable, noting that children are naturally playful and often unaware of danger. (
KAMPALA - Police have raised concerns over faulty electrical wiring, poor fire preparedness and unsafe school infrastructure as learners return for the first term, warning that negligence by school proprietors could result in fatalities and legal action.
Addressing the media at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city, on February 9, 2026, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said inspections and investigations from previous school terms revealed recurring safety lapses that continue to put learners at risk.
“Faulty and exposed wiring remains one of our biggest concerns. Children come into contact with live wires, and in some cases, we have registered fatalities,” Kituuma said.
He warned that schools with poor electrical installations would be held accountable, noting that children are naturally playful and often unaware of danger.
“If a child gets electrocuted because wiring was left exposed, that school will not go away free. There are legal consequences, beyond the reputational damage,” he added.
Kituuma also highlighted the danger posed by uncovered manholes, broken structures and poorly maintained buildings within school premises.
“If a child falls into an uncovered manhole, you will certainly be held responsible. We have seen cases where such negligence escalates into police investigations and court cases,” he said.
Fire safety was another major concern, particularly in large schools with thousands of learners. Kituuma questioned whether such institutions had the capacity to respond to emergencies.
Addressing the media at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city, on February 9, 2026, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said inspections and investigations from previous school terms revealed recurring safety lapses that continue to put learners at risk. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
“You are a school of more than 3,000 students—what is your capacity to fight a fire? Do you have fire extinguishers? Are they functional? Do teachers and staff know how to use them?” he asked.
He said police had responded to incidents where schools summoned fire brigade trucks for small fires that could have been extinguished immediately with basic equipment.
Police further advised schools to inspect students’ luggage to prevent the entry of prohibited or dangerous items such as sharp tools, alcohol and illicit drugs.
“Some learners carry dangerous items into school. If schools do not inspect luggage, these items end up threatening the safety of other students,” Kituuma said.
On access control, Police urged schools to properly identify and record all visitors, noting that some intruders use false names to gain entry.
Kituuma also appealed to parents to cooperate with schools by sharing medical information about learners and agreeing on clear drop-off and pick-up arrangements to avoid security incidents and domestic disputes spilling into schools.