This week, schools reopen for first term, and it is crucial that all stakeholders prioritize the security and safety of learners. The following guidance is issued to parents, school proprietors, and financial institutions.
Advisory to parents and guardians
Escort children, especially lower primary pupils and girls, to and from school where possible, and avoid sending them alone very early in the morning or late in the evening.
Teach children to use main routes, avoid shortcuts and isolated paths, walk in groups, and keep to the side facing oncoming traffic, using designated crossings where available.
Pay attention to items children carry to school; some learners may attempt to smuggle drugs, alcohol, distracting gadgets, or weapons in their luggage.
Inform school authorities of any relevant medical history for children with chronic conditions, including medication and emergency contacts.
For children using boda-bodas, ensure one child per rider and insist on proper safety gear such as helmets and reflective wear.
Keep updated contact information for class teachers, matrons, and school administrators, and agree on clear, consistent pick‑up and drop‑off procedures for younger children.
Advisory to school proprietors and administrators
Strengthen access control to school premises: record all visitors, restrict unnecessary entry, check vehicles entering school premises and maintain a visible security presence at the gate during drop‑off and pick‑up times.
Establish clear procedures for dropping off and collecting learners, including verification of the person picking a child, to prevent incidents where children are reported missing or kidnapped, especially in the context of domestic or marital disputes.
When receiving students, ensure that their health status has been verified in line with school and Ministry of Health guidelines.
Regularly inspect the school environment to eliminate safety hazards such as open manholes, dilapidated latrines, cracked buildings, loose electrical wiring, or unstable school blocks.
Maintain functional fire extinguishers in key areas of the school and train both staff and as many students as possible on how to use them and respond to fire emergencies.
Inspect learners’ belongings on arrival and periodically during term to detect illegal substances, distracting gadgets, or dangerous weapons that could endanger others.
Advisory to banks and financial institutions
Promote alternative payment methods such as digital wallets, mobile banking, and online banking to reduce cash‑based over‑the‑counter transactions, which not only mitigates fraud risks but also minimizes congestion and inconvenience in banking halls.
Work closely with schools to support safer digital school‑fees payment channels (such as dedicated school pay platforms and controlled payment links) and to sensitise parents about phishing emails, fake WhatsApp messages, and unsolicited “discount” offers.
Heighten security in and around bank premises, particularly during school‑fees peak periods: monitor for loiterers targeting clients, deploy visible security personnel, and enhance CCTV coverage.
Establish quick reporting and response channels with nearby police stations/posts so that suspected fraudsters, pickpockets, or robbers identified around banking premises can be promptly intercepted.
ACP KITUUMA RUSOKE
PRO-UPF
