Civil servants in the Buganda Kingdom on Monday underwent specialised training in fire prevention, control and emergency response, aimed at equipping them with practical skills to protect lives and property at both their workplaces and homes.
The training was conducted by Affinity Fire Solutions, a Wandegeya-based company specialising in fire safety equipment supply and professional firefighting and prevention training.
Leading the session, Justus Emalu, a fire safety expert from Affinity Fire Solutions, said the main objective was to empower participants with technical knowledge to respond effectively to fire incidents, particularly in situations where professional emergency services may not be immediately available.
“Our main task is to educate the public, especially those who lack knowledge about fire safety, on how to prevent fires and minimise damage when they occur. We train people in fire response skills to avoid loss of life and property in cases where emergency help may delay,” Emalu said.
He urged civil servants to acquire fire safety equipment, particularly fire extinguishers, from certified suppliers and emphasised the need for regular servicing at least once a year.
Emalu also advised participants to keep emergency contacts readily accessible, including the police fire emergency hotline 0800 121 222.
Dennis Ssebwana, who oversees maintenance at the Bulange building, said the training significantly improved his understanding of safe evacuation procedures.
He noted that participants learned how to alert people during a fire outbreak without causing panic and how to assist those who may be injured.
Moses Lutaaya, a driver employed by the Buganda Kingdom, said the training was especially useful in teaching him how to safely handle young children during fire emergencies at home.
He added that his family has since identified a designated assembly point where members can gather in the event of a fire or similar emergency.
The Head of Human Resource Affairs in the Buganda Kingdom, Josephine Namala, said the Kingdom will continue rolling out similar capacity-building initiatives.
She noted that more training programmes focusing on staff health, safety and wellbeing are planned throughout the year under various development and welfare initiatives.
The training reflects Buganda Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of its workforce through proactive disaster preparedness and safety awareness.