UGANDA, Busia | Real Muloodi News | A blaze engulfed a boys’ dormitory at Sibirisye Primary School in Lumino-Majanji Town Council, Busia District, raising concerns as it marks the third fire incident to strike a school in the area within two weeks.
Fortunately, all 20 pupils who were inside the dormitory escaped unharmed, but the fire caused extensive damage to both the students’ belongings and the school property of unspecified value.
Regean Mukisa, one of the survivors who played a pivotal role in alerting his peers, recounted the harrowing experience: “I first smelt petrol and shortly saw fire coming through one of the ventilations to the dormitory.”
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday 3rd April, 2024, prompting a swift response from authorities and the local community.
Busia’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Micheal Kibwika, confirmed the fire outbreak, assuring that the police are diligently investigating the cause to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
The recent spate of fires has prompted heightened vigilance and concerns among residents and education authorities in the district.
The fire at Sibirisye Primary School marks the third such incident within a short period in Busia District.
The series of blazes began with the tragic fire at Victory Nursery and Primary School on March 18, resulting in the loss of four young lives.
The following day, another fire incident occurred at Billy and Polly Primary School, where a dormitory was consumed by flames, causing substantial damage to students’ belongings.
The string of fire outbreaks has raised alarm bells among education stakeholders and the wider community, prompting calls for urgent measures to enhance fire safety and prevent further incidents.
The recurrence of such incidents within a short timeframe underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard schools and protect the lives and property of students and staff.
Education authorities and local leaders in Busia District are working collaboratively to address the underlying factors contributing to the recent spate of fires.
Efforts are underway to bolster fire prevention strategies, improve emergency response mechanisms, and raise awareness about fire safety practices among students and school administrators.
The devastating impact of the fires on schools and communities has underscored the need for concerted action to mitigate the risk of future incidents.
Stakeholders are exploring various interventions, including fire safety training, installation of firefighting equipment, and regular safety inspections to ensure that schools are adequately prepared to prevent and respond to emergencies.
As investigations into the recent fire incidents continue, authorities remain committed to holding accountable those responsible for any acts of negligence or misconduct that may have contributed to the outbreaks.
The safety and well-being of students are paramount, and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that schools in Busia District and across the country provide a secure learning environment for all.
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