Kampala – As schools reopen for the third term, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is urging parents and guardians to ensure proper supervision of their children to and from school.
According to Police Spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, many children, especially juveniles, are being sent to school without adult accompaniment, exposing them to risks such as kidnapping and abuse.
“We’ve had cases where children walking to school alone have been exposed to kidnapping and various forms of abuse. Parents, please spare some time to escort your children to and from school,” said Kituuma.
He also emphasized the importance of proper handover procedures, saying, “If you have chosen to drive your child to school, please complete the process and hand over the child to a specific person, probably a teacher, or in line with the protocols that are followed when children are being handed over to school.”
Additional Safety tips
The police spokesperson also highlighted other safety tips, including:
- – Banks promoting alternative payment methods to reduce congestion and associated security risks
- – School administrators prioritizing student health checks and documentation
- – Conducting thorough searches on students to prevent the smuggling of illegal substances and dangerous equipment
- – Scrutinizing student records to ensure accurate and complete information
- – Prioritizing safety measures amidst concerns over fire hazards, structural integrity, and other risks on school premises
Kituuma urged parents, school administrators, and banks to take these concerns seriously and work together to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for children.