Staff members from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University, have undergone a hands-on fire safety and prevention training aimed at equipping them with essential skills to handle emergency fire incidents effectively. The training, held at the college premises, focused on prevention techniques, proper handling of firefighting equipment, and quick-response tactics during fire outbreaks.
The session held on 17th April 2025, was led by experts from the Uganda Police Fire Brigade, in collaboration with Suka Fire Protection Limited, a private company specializing in fire safety equipment and training.
According to Dennis Basome, an officer from the Uganda Police Fire Brigade Department, the training was part of an ongoing effort to sensitize communities, including educational institutions, about fire safety and the importance of proactive prevention.
“We are here to share knowledge on how to prevent fires, especially in institutions like universities where large numbers of people interact daily. Fire prevention is crucial because it saves lives, protects property, and ultimately prevents job loss,” Basome said.
The training covered a range of key areas, starting from fire prevention at home to workplace safety. Participants were given practical demonstrations using fire extinguishers and learned how to identify and tackle small-scale fires before they escalate into life-threatening emergencies.
“We taught staff how to operate firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, especially to stop young fires that haven’t yet spread. If a fire can be contained early, it prevents further damage and reduces harm to the environment,” he added.
When asked about extending the training to other faculties within Makerere University, Basome affirmed their readiness to do so:
“We are always willing to conduct such sessions. Often, we come through invitations facilitated by the private companies that supply the fire equipment. However, any institution or individual can also visit our department for training and awareness.”
Alex Sekaisa, a representative from Suka Fire Protection Limited, emphasized the importance of complementing equipment installations with knowledge-based training. He explained that the collaboration with CHUSS started last year with an initial building assessment and subsequent installation of fire extinguishers, which paved the way for the sensitization training.
“Today was about more than just equipment. It was about empowering staff with practical knowledge. Everyone now knows not only what a fire extinguisher looks like, but how to use it properly,” Sekaisa said.
He encouraged the college to continue partnering with his company and emphasized that Suka Fire Protection Limited is well connected with the Uganda Fire and Rescue Directorate and committed to building safer communities.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support, guide, and train. Our mission is to ensure institutions like Makerere are safe and fire-ready,” he concluded.
The session ended with positive feedback from the participants, many of whom expressed a renewed sense of confidence in handling fire emergencies at work and home.