Police in Mukono are investigating a fire outbreak that killed 11 people at Salama School for the Blind in Luga Village, Ntanzi Parish, Mukono District, in the wee hours of Tuesday
According to a statement released by ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, the cause of the fire is yet to be established.
Six other people said to be in critical condition are admitted at Herona Hospital in Kisoga Town, Mukono District.
At the time of filing this story, police were yet to issue a detailed statement with identities of the deceased and the injured.
School fires have become a common occurrence countrywide, however, a lasting solution seems to have eluded the authorities and concerned stakeholders.
The Ministry of Education in March, attributed the fire outbreaks in schools to a lack of occupational permits, especially among private schools, across the country.
The ministry said schools can acquire the permits from the local government, adding that the institutions will be forced to publicly display their occupational permits to parents and visitors.
In 2008, the ministry in conjunction with the police issued a circular with a list of guidelines on how schools could address school fires and ensure the safety and security of learners. The guidelines included having emergency exits, security committees, firefighting equipment, and sickbays.
However, this seems to not have helped as many fire incidents have happened in various schools since then, claiming dozens of lives.
REPORTED BY DAILY MONITOR
