UGANDA, Busia | Real Muloodi News | A series of devastating fires have rocked schools in Busia District, leading to tragic losses and raising concerns about safety and security measures within educational institutions. Authorities have responded swiftly, with investigations ongoing and arrests made in connection with the incidents.
In the most recent incident, Billy and Polly Primary School in Marachi ‘C’ village, Busia municipality, fell victim to a destructive fire that left the property in ruins.
All belongings belonging to the pupils were reduced to rubble in the aftermath of the blaze. Among those apprehended by the police are key figures associated with the school, including the Municipal Education Officer, Mr. Aggrey Munyororo; Municipal Inspector of Schools, Mr Godfrey Barasa; school owner, Mr Bosco Erupun; headmaster, Mr Andrew Okwi; security guard, Mr Geoffrey Ojok; and teachers: Mr John Adoa, Tony Okolong, and Paul Osiwa.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic event where a fire engulfed the boys’ dormitory at Victory Nursery and Primary School in Busia municipality.
In that instance, four pupils lost their lives, and two others sustained severe injuries, highlighting the grave consequences of such disasters.
The deceased were identified as James Magero, 11, in Primary Five, John Richard Oburu, 10, in Primary Four, Mahmood Ali in Primary Three, and Odero Makokha in Primary Six.
While no pupils were injured in the fire at Billy and Polly Primary School, the loss of their possessions, including mattresses, books, metallic boxes, and clothes, is deeply felt.
The suspects in custody are being held at Busia Central Police Station as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
In response to the tragedy at Victory Nursery and Primary School, the government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, has extended financial support to the affected families.
Each family that lost a child in the fire received five million Ugandan Shillings to assist with burial expenses, while a survivor with severe burns was granted one million Ugandan Shillings for medical bills.
Speaking at an education exhibition organised by the Education Ministry at Kololo Independence Grounds, Ms Frances Atima, the Ministry’s Director of Education Standards, announced that a total of twenty-one million Ugandan Shillings had been disbursed to the families as condolence support.
However, she noted that further disbursements would be made pending the results of DNA tests to confirm the identities of the deceased children due to the extent of their injuries.
The tragic incident at Victory Nursery and Primary School unfolded in the early hours of the morning, as pupils were asleep in the dormitory.
Despite efforts to evacuate, four children were unable to escape the flames and perished in the fire. The swift response of the authorities, including the police and residents, was unable to prevent the loss of life and extensive property damage.
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety and security measures at the school, with parents alleging previous reports of security threats being ignored by school authorities.
Emmanuel Wandera, a parent, revealed that children had reported sightings of strangers around the dormitories at night, yet no action was taken to address the issue.
Additionally, structural deficiencies, including a collapsed fence and overcrowded dormitories, have been cited as contributing factors to the tragedy.
The inspection of Victory Nursery and Primary School uncovered several irregularities, including the operation of an unauthorised boarding section and substandard living conditions for the pupils.
Ms Atima emphasised the need for schools to adhere to minimum standards set by the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The state minister for primary Education, Ms. Joyce Kaducu, echoed this sentiment, threatening to close down schools that fail to meet the required standards.
In light of these incidents, authorities have taken decisive action, with the closure of Billy and Polly Primary School for a week and plans to address the shortcomings identified during inspections.
The tragic fires serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and security in educational institutions to prevent further loss of life and property.
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