The Police in Kampala Metropolitan East and KMP South are investigating two separate incidents of Arson, on school dormitories at Young Elite Primary School in Kasokoso and MH Junior School Nabbingo, respectively.
The fires were allegedly started by two undisciplined pupils aged 11 and 16 who were fed up with school.
It is reported that on 3/06/2022, Mutwama Aminadabu, a 16-year old p.7 pupil of Young Elite School, Kasokoso, Kira Municipality packed his school items and returned home, where he told his parents that he was no longer interested in school.
However, the parents forced him to return to school. Upon reaching school, the suspect set his properties on fire, which spread and burnt 7 other mattresses, clothes, school uniforms, 4 beds, 1 dispenser and part of the roof to the dormitory.
The suspect escaped from school and is still at large. Fortunately, no pupils got injured since they were in class. However, properties valued at approximately 10m got destroyed.
In a related incident, Muyanja Anani Aramathan, aged 11 and P.4 pupil of MH Junior School Nabbingo, Ituga Cell, Kyengera Town Council, set a dormitory on fire, before informing the matron.
The incident occurred on 4/06/2022 at about 5.48am when Nalwanga Cissy received a report from Muyanja.
The matron found when the fire had just started burning the boy’s bed and immediately called neighbors together with the school staff who put it out.
A matchbox was recovered under the bed of Muyanja, who was fed up with the school and hated classes.
According to CP Enanga Fred the Police Spokesperson, the child wanted to burn the school, so that they are sent home.
The matter was reported to Kakungube Police by the Head teacher Nakhaima Aggrey.
“Fires in schools can be dramatic effect on the educational environment for the pupils and the staff. We urge Head teachers and school staff to closely watch out for pupils who have a dislike for classes and seek services of counsellors, parents and guardians, to help minimize the risks of arson in schools,” says Enanga.
In addition, he urged school administrators to target hardening practices like deterring unauthorized entry into the school, buildings, ensure all combustible items are kept away from pupils and conducting fire risk assessments regularly.
