Assessment of Fire Safety Preparedness in Makerere University

Abstract

The issue of fires in learning institutions is one that should not be taken lightly due to the nature of consequences they tend to come with in the event of their occurrence. Majority of these institutions in Uganda lack the capacity to handle fire disasters despite the fact that there are building regulations put in place. Issues of enforcement of the prescribed fire safety provisions remain prevalent. The purpose of this study was to assess fire safety preparedness in Makerere University. This research is set out: to examine the fire safety provisions available in the different university buildings, assess the effectiveness of the available fire safety provisions, ascertain the level of awareness on the use of the existing fire safety provisions and to suggest strategies that will improve fire safety preparedness. The research adopted a descriptive design. The target population was 9 halls of residence and 9 colleges with in Makerere University, Kampala. Stratified sampling was used to categorize buildings and individuals were then chosen by random sampling. Primary Data was collected using questionnaires and observation schedules then analysed using descriptive statistics. The study findings showed inadequacy in both equipment installations and services. In terms of awareness, the teaching and non-teaching staff exhibited a higher level of awareness on matters of fire safety compared to the students. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that the relevant authorities enforce the prescribed fire safety provisions to improve preparedness of the university in regards to fire safety, fire safety training should be incorporated into the curriculum to increase the level of fire safety awareness. The researcher also made some suggestions for further research that is; the study was conducted in only one district, Kampala specifically Makerere University therefore, findings cannot be generalized to one district in the country. There is need to carry out wider research over a larger geographical scope.