I read with great concern the article that appeared in the New Vision of yesterday entitled "Police probe student death". As reported in the article, the incident seems to have originated from a fight.

Conflict in human beings is an avoidable phenomenon. Whereas our ability to manage conflicts is what makes us unique human beings, students need immense support from both schools administration and parents to effectively manage emerging conflicts.

It is true many schools follow records of student's behaviours by keeping record fi les but this is not true to all. This undermined culture is not only essential but necessary in managing and understanding student's relationships.

In this regard, I would like to recommend the following to cab increased crimes in schools:

One of the best means to help students overcome conflicts is to consistently offer counseling services to them regularly.

It is paramount to have consistent compulsory checking of student's cases, and areas of resident as a whole for dangerous equipment. Some students keep knives, army uniforms and sometimes guns! Such items fuel conflicts.

Schools should endeavour to fi le student's profile to effectively offer counselling services.

The role of parents and guardians is vital for shaping the morals of their siblings. For instance, how often do parents spare sometime to emphasise to our children the sacred nature of human life, peaceful coexistence, and self control in all its forms!

The school disciplinary committees need to pay attention to every emerging case.

For instance, in my own opinion, in case of compensation for any loss, it should be the school disciplinary committee to handle the matter as opposed to mere parties in the conflict effecting it.

A school should be an environment where students learn beyond mere attending to exams but also how to manage manners and have a full realisation of what it takes to be a person.

Schools and parents have a great responsibility to guide students in learning how to be useful members of society. It is a tasking but vital responsibility for all of us.

The writer is a lecturer at Uganda Christian University, Mukono