Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has called on the government to close Bilal Islamic Boarding School after six boys perished in a fire outbreak on Sunday.

In a statement, the CPA called for stricter regulations in the wake of the devastating tragedy at the Quranic memorisation school in Yaram Bamba, Old Yundum.

“The head of the school is currently helping police with investigations. It must be noted that in February this year, CPA national coordinator spearheaded an unannounced monitoring visit of boarding facilities, with the Directorate of Children Affairs as a result of reported cases of child abuse, through the application of severe forms of punishment and the poor accommodation and sanitary facilities. 

“After the visit, concrete recommendations were made to that effect, which were geared towards improving the accommodation, sanitary and electrical facilities to avoid such incidents as in this case.

“Therefore, we considered the incident as total negligence from the management of the boarding facility. To this end, CPA demands the immediate closure of the boarding facility, whilst thorough investigation into the matter continues. 

“The authorities are urged to take strict action to deter reoccurrences of such incidents,” the statement said.

“We equally demand that the Directorate of Children Affairs act in accordance with Section 199 of the Children’s Act which mandated the Directorate to inspect childcare facilities at least every six months with the powers to suspend operations of such facilities where they fall short of meeting the minimum standards. 

“This includes all Quranic memorization centres, orphanages and care homes across the country,” it added.

“Meanwhile, parents are urged to frequent such facilities to check the conditions of their children. They must not relent in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their children while pursuing any form of education. 

“The Child Protection Alliance want to reiterate that it is the responsibility of every person to report any incident of child rights violations to the appropriate authorities,” it added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba