UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | In the early hours of Monday morning, a devastating fire engulfed a boys’ dormitory at Kasaana Junior School in Masaka City, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries.
At least seven children lost their lives in the fire, with ten more pupils suffering injuries.
By the end of Monday four Kasaana Junior School pupils had been confirmed dead- including pre-primary pupils Aloysius Ahebwa and Malik Katende.
As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities said three more fatalities were confirmed following the blaze which police initially said started from a short circuit as matron Christine Adong charged her phone.
“We have received information that more have passed on and these are Hillary Walugembe (Top Class), Austin Kisomosi, Martin Muganga, Jordan Ssendagire and Arnold Tumwesigye (P1),” southern region deputy police commander SP Jamada Wandera gave an update on the school in Masaka City’s Nyendo Mukungwe Division.
The dormitory in question provided accommodation for around 15 children from the top and P1 classes. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire’s likely cause was a short circuit, possibly linked to a phone charging point used by the matron, Christine Adong.
Jamada Wandera, the Southern regional deputy police commander, shared insights into the incident, emphasizing that there were no apparent ill motives behind the fire.
He stated, “There shouldn’t be any kind of say that the fire was through ill motive. From our assessment, there was no ill motive but just a circuit.”
Authorities have worked diligently to assess the situation and ensure parents could identify and be with their children during this tragic time.
The injured pupils are currently receiving medical treatment at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. The incident prompted an outpouring of concern from parents, with over 15 of them gathering at the hospital to check on their children.
The injured youngsters include Alpha Wasswa, Austin Kisomose, Grant Matovu, Martin Muganga, Arnold Mwesigye, Sharid Mwanje, and two others identified as Ssenoga and Ahimbisibwe.
Despite the heart-wrenching tragedy, authorities are striving to restore a sense of normalcy. Wandera assured parents that the situation was calming down and that they were encouraging the children to return to their classes as they worked through this difficult period.
The resilience of the school community shines through as they face this terrible loss together.
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