By Obed Kankirrho
Police in Rukungiri District are investigating a tragic incident in which a 12-year-old pupil died and four others were injured after a school structure collapsed during a storm.
The incident occurred on Thursday at around 1:30 p.m. at Rwerere SDA Nursery and Primary School in Rwerere Town Council. Pupils were having lunch when a strong windstorm struck, causing one of the school’s walls to collapse.
The wall fell onto five pupils who had taken shelter on the verandah. They were rescued and rushed to a nearby private clinic, but one of them, Ashaba Princess, 12, died while being transported for further medical care.
The injured pupils Abisnguza Emmanuel (8), Azahura Treasure (7), Ainembabazi Mercy (10), and Mugarura Onesmus (8)—were later referred to Kambuga Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Police documented the scene and opened a death inquiry file, while the body of the deceased was taken to Buyanja Health Centre IV for a postmortem.
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said preliminary findings indicate structural weaknesses in the building, raising concerns about the safety of similar school facilities. He urged school authorities to ensure buildings are structurally sound to protect learners.
Investigations are ongoing.
