The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party, has suggested that burning of schools be regarded as an act of terrorism.
Speaking at the Party’s weekly press conference in Najanankumbi, the FDC party deputy Spokesperson John Kikonyogo described the act of burning schools as terrorism and called for the culprits to be taken to court.
“Terrorism as any act of violence or threat of violence carried out for purposes of influencing government or an international organization, or intimidating the public and for a political, religious, social and economic aim, indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property,” he said.
Terrorism manifests in form of Bombings, assassinations, Kidnaps, hostage taking, hijack, arson, poisoning, armed attacks among others. These aim at intimidating and coercing the population as well as undermining government.
This month, the police director for fire and rescue services Assistant Inspector General of Police, Joseph Mugisa disclosed that majority of the recent school fires were deliberate.
More than 5 School Fire incidents have happened since schools re-opened leading to deaths of at least 7 pupils. With the recent being Good Times Primary school in Kawala Lubaga, and Bilal Islamic Primary school Bwaise.
However, Kikonyogo noted that government has not released reports to the past fires yet schools are still being burnt.
“Up to date, we don’t have reports on old school fires in Buddo junior and other schools. But you find the Director of fire and rescue services telling us that majority of the school fires are deliberate. we don’t know how he makes this conclusion without investigations,” he said.
Kikonyongo noted that someone could be behind the recent school fires saying, “Since the reopening of schools, we have had not less than five school fires, this is disturbing to our country, parents and students in particular.”
“We, therefore, take this act of burning schools as terrorism and the culprits must be taken to court,” he added.