The District Education Officer of Mukono, Rasheed Kikomeko, has urged school authorities in Mukono district to beef up security in their schools to prevent possible terrorism activities from happening.
This warning comes after Uganda was warned of terrorism threats by the UK and US, prompting Ugandan security agencies to warn Ugandans to avoid crowded places, be alert and vigilant of their surroundings, and report anything suspicious in their environment so as to avoid any terrorism attacks like the 2021 twin Kampala bombings that left many people injured and others dead.
While addressing the media on September 14, 2024, Kikomeko revealed that most schools are officially opening up for the third term on September 16, 2024. He, therefore, asked school administrators to tighten up security in their respective schools to protect the students against any shortcomings.
Kikomeko further called upon schools that can afford CCTV cameras to install them in their schools, construct perimeter walls, and also hire qualified security guards that are able to protect the children and teachers while at school.
’’We have insecurity cases that are caused by many things, like fire, people who are envious, and other accidents; however, school administrators need to beef up security so as to avoid most of them, like fire extinguishers should be in schools in case there are fire outbreaks, and CCTV cameras too because lately many schools are being robbed of various properties, hence leading to losses,’’ Kikomeko disclosed.
Kikomeko also urged school management committees that do not have the ability to install cameras in all corners of the schools to at least construct live fences of strong sticks as a perimeter wall for the students’ protection against any intruders that may cause them harm.
He implored school authorities to allow parents to pay school fees in installments because most of them lost their jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet with what they currently have.
The tragic event of the massacre of the students in Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe in Kasese on June 16, 2023, by the ADF rebels is still a sad reminder and vivid example of what terrorists are capable of doing; therefore, Kikomeko’s recommendations, such as installing CCTV cameras, constructing perimeter walls, and hiring qualified security guards, are essential steps in safeguarding education institutions from potential terrorism threats.