Police Warns Parents, Schools, and Banks on Safety as Third Term Begins
Police has urged parents, banks, and school administrators to tighten safety measures as learners return for the third term.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the school season presents heightened risks to children, transport systems, and financial institutions.
“The return of children to school involves safety issues, bearings on public transport and security generally since there are financial transactions,” ACP Rusoke noted.
Banks on alert
He called on financial institutions to strengthen security, warning that fraudsters often exploit the back-to-school rush.
“We appeal to banks to heighten security in and around their premises to check potential fraudsters and con men. We also encourage the promotion of alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets and online banking, to reduce on-counter cash transactions,” he said.
Parents cautioned
Rusoke criticized negligent practices by some parents and guardians.
“Some parents send children to school without adult supervision or entrust them to people who are not trustworthy. Others fail to pay attention to items children smuggle into their luggage, such as drugs, alcohol, distracting gadgets and even weapons,” he stressed.
He also reminded them to provide schools with vital medical information about their children.
Schools tasked
Turning to administrators, Rusoke said vigilance is critical when receiving students.
“Inspect pupils’ belongings because they may contain illegal substances, distracting gadgets, or dangerous weapons. Establish clear procedures for dropping and picking children, because incomplete personal details from parents often stifle investigations when incidents occur,” he said.
He further warned schools to eliminate environmental hazards.
“The overall safety of the school environment is of paramount importance. We deal with all dangers, such as open manholes, compromised structures like dilapidated latrines, and old school blocks,” ACP Rusoke cautioned.
He added that fire extinguishers should be available and both students and staff trained in their use.
Shared responsibility
Concluding, Rusoke emphasized that safety cannot be left to one party.
“The safety of learners is a shared responsibility. Parents, schools, and banks must all play their role in protecting children and ensuring a safe environment as the third term progresses.”
