Authorities in Kamuli District are probing a devastating fire that killed a 12-year-old boy and destroyed a boys’ dormitory at Balawoli Primary School on the night of Sunday, May 25.
The victim, Bernard Famba, a Primary Five pupil at the government-supported school in Balawoli Town Council, died after flames engulfed the dormitory around 11pm, reducing it to rubble along with all contents inside.
Initial investigations point to a possible electrical short circuit as the cause of the blaze.
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Bernard, who was asleep when the fire broke out, was unable to escape. His two siblings, who were also in the dormitory, tried to seek help from the school matron—stationed roughly 70 metres away in the girls’ section—but their efforts came too late.
The fire consumed mattresses, school uniforms, books, and other personal belongings. Police responded quickly, managing to salvage some items and secure the premises to prevent further destruction.
Bernard’s body was retrieved from the charred remains and taken to Kamuli General Hospital for a postmortem.
The police have launched a comprehensive investigation to establish the fire’s exact cause and the extent of the damage, with findings expected to inform future safety measures in schools.
This incident follows a worrying trend of dormitory fires in Ugandan schools, especially at the start of academic terms. Past cases have been linked to faulty electrical systems or, at times, deliberate arson related to student unrest or school rivalries.
Education authorities and school heads are now being urged to strengthen safety procedures—such as routine electrical inspections and robust emergency plans—to safeguard students and infrastructure.
The Balawoli community is mourning Bernard, remembered by his peers and teachers as a bright and joyful child with great potential. His untimely death highlights ongoing safety challenges in boarding schools and the urgent need for systemic reforms.
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