MPs Call for School Safety Reforms and Centralized Bursary Funds After Tragic Fire

Nambale Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Mulanya has called on the Ministry of Education to enforce strict safety compliance policies in schools following the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in 18 deaths and 14 injuries.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for two new classrooms at Nambale Urban Primary School, Mulanya emphasized the need for accountability among those issuing compliance certificates, alleging that some private schools obtain these certificates through dubious means.

He stressed the importance of adhering to safety standards, including the use of appropriate building materials, maintaining adequate classroom sizes, and ensuring proper ventilation.

“We must hold accountable all who issue compliance certificates to schools, especially in the event of any tragedies. Some private schools collude with the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards to obtain certificates without meeting the necessary standards,” said Mulanya.

He outlined key safety measures, such as standards for building materials, classroom sizes, window dimensions, ventilation, and the number of students allowed in a given space.

“We compromise everything in our schools, starting from the construction of classrooms. Some MPs follow up with contractors during CDF tenders and demand kickbacks,” he added.

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala also urged school administrators and boards of management to take extra precautions by adhering to the established safety standards to prevent such incidents.

He further called on the Ministry of Education's Quality Assurance department to conduct close monitoring and regular impromptu visits to both public and private institutions to ensure that safety precautions are strictly followed.

Additionally, Mayoni MCA Frederick Watitwa emphasized that schools must observe these measures to prevent the loss of young lives.

"I extend my condolences to the affected families, and I pray that protective measures will be implemented in the future to prevent such tragedies," said Watitwa.

In a separate event, Nambale Township Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ken Ruppia urged the national government to centralize all bursary funds under a single body to enhance transparency and prevent misuse.

Ruppia criticized some politicians for using bursaries to advance their political agendas, which undermines support for genuine beneficiaries.

“It’s unfortunate that some politicians use bursaries, meant for learners from humble families, to settle political scores, while others pilfer the funds to flex their political muscles,” said Ruppia.

This sentiment comes amid national calls for the government to consolidate all bursaries under one fund to combat corruption and better support disadvantaged learners.

“It’s prudent and timely that all monies meant for bursaries be placed under one fund to ensure transparency and end duplication, which leads to corruption in many CDF and county offices,” Ruppia concluded.