Fire Incident at St. James Bbiina Nursery and Primary School Sparks Calls for Improved Safety Measures

October 31, 2024 – Nakawa, Kampala

*By John Kusolo*

In the early hours of this morning, a fire broke out at St. James Bbiina Nursery and Primary School in Nakawa, Kampala, causing panic among students, staff, and nearby residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but quick response from the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services successfully contained the situation before it could escalate. Thanks to their swift arrival, the blaze was extinguished without any fatalities or injuries reported.

*Swift Response by the Uganda Police Force*

Witnesses in the area noted that the Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services reached the school within minutes of the fire’s outbreak. The presence of police firefighters, who worked diligently to extinguish the flames and secure the area, likely prevented a potential tragedy, preserving the school’s infrastructure and protecting the students and staff within.

*Local Leaders Show Solidarity*

The incident drew numerous local leaders who arrived to show their support and solidarity with the affected school community. Notable figures included Hon. Ronald Balimwezo, MP for Nakawa East, Paul Mugambe, Mayor of Nakawa Division, Luyombya, Speaker of Nakawa Division, along with Councilor Faizal (LC V), Councilor Jessy (LC3), and political hopefuls Kintu, the prospective NRM MP for 2026-2031, and Moses Mugisha Okwera, the FDC MP candidate for Nakawa East for the same term.

These leaders interacted with both the students and teachers, providing moral support and encouragement during the aftermath of the ordeal.

They also reassured the school administration that steps would be taken to enhance safety standards, not only for St. James Biina but for other schools in the Nakawa area as well.

Reflecting on the fire incident, local leaders reiterated the importance of fire safety preparedness in schools.

They emphasized the need for all schools to equip themselves with fire extinguishers and train staff on emergency response procedures to help avert similar situations in the future. Hon. Ronald Balimwezo urged school administrators across the division to prioritize fire safety equipment, noting that tragedies like this can often be mitigated with proactive safety measures.

“We are fortunate that no lives were lost today, but this should serve as a wake-up call for all schools to have adequate fire safety equipment on-site,” Balimwezo said. “Let’s protect our children and ensure that we are prepared for emergencies.”

The Mayor of Nakawa Division, Paul Mugambe, added that the local council would work closely with the schools to ensure that fire prevention measures are in place. He suggested that regular inspections could help maintain safety standards across educational institutions.

The incident also highlighted the crucial role of Uganda’s emergency response teams in averting potentially deadly situations. This morning’s response from the Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services underscored their dedication and efficiency in protecting lives and property.

Moving forward, community leaders and residents alike have called for increased support and resources for fire prevention and rescue services. By equipping these services with additional tools and training, they can be better prepared to respond to emergencies as quickly and effectively as they did today.

As students and teachers return to St. James Biina Nursery and Primary School, today’s incident serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Nakawa community. Local leaders continue to assure parents, students, and staff of their commitment to making schools a safer environment for learning and growth.

The morning’s incident has sparked a renewed conversation on fire safety, one that leaders hope will result in tangible changes across all schools in Nakawa. As investigations into the fire’s cause continue, residents, school officials, and local leaders are united in their resolve to prevent similar occurrences and prioritize the safety and well-being of their young learners.

Today’s fire at St. James Biina Nursery and Primary School has served as a sobering reminder of the importance of fire safety measures. Through quick response from the Uganda Police and supportive solidarity from local leaders, the community has once again come together in the face of adversity. With ongoing efforts to improve safety standards, there is hope that Nakawa’s schools will be better prepared to protect students and staff from such unforeseen incidents in the future.