Lira City – In the wake of a fire outbreak at VH Public School in Lira City, the safety of solar power connections in educational institutions has come under scrutiny.
On July 5, 2024, the North Kyoga Region Fire Brigade and Rescue Services responded to a fire that broke out in a dormitory housing boys in Primary Six.
The fire reportedly started in one of the rooms connected to solar power, prompting concerns over the safety of renewable energy sources in schools.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Police Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, stated that the swift response of the fire brigade prevented the fire from spreading further, but one dormitory room suffered severe damage and no Injuries reported as fire destroyed dormitory rooms at VH Public School.
In a speech addressing the incident, Okema emphasized the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of solar power systems in educational institutions.
He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and a comprehensive review of solar power systems in schools across the region.
This incident is not the first time a fire has occurred in a school dormitory in Uganda. Previous incidents, such as the recent tragedy at a Busia school dormitory in March 2024, underscore the need for proper fire safety measures in schools.
The dedication of firefighters and the importance of quick response times have been highlighted in this incident, ensuring the safety of pupils and staff at VH Public School.
Updates on the investigation and the school’s recovery efforts will be provided as new information becomes available.