King David Junior school re-opens as pupils undergo counselling
On Friday (August 7), the school held a memorial mass for the souls of the 22 pupils and the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde, who perished in a bus accident in Kapchorwa on the evening of July 16.
On Friday (August 7), the school held a memorial mass for the souls of the 22 pupils and the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde, who perished in a bus accident in Kapchorwa on the evening of July 16.
WAKISO - After over three weeks of closure following a grisly road accident that claimed lives of 22 pupils and the school director, King David Junior School has reopened today (August 10), with counselling for pupils.
On Friday (August 7), the school held a memorial mass for the souls of the 22 pupils and the school director, Tadeo Ssekadde, who perished in a bus accident in Kapchorwa on the evening of July 16.
Fr. Deogratious Kiibi, who led the mass, prayed for Primary Seven pupils, including the survivors. He emphasised daily prayers in the school, saying it will play a big role in fighting the enemies of the school.
“You need to offer daily prayers for our children here and teachers because there are so many evil people outside there, who might want this school not to shine again,” he said.
The new school director, Prossy Ssekadde, the wife of the school's late founder and her assistant, Margaret Bbosa, were introduced to parents.
Fr. Deogratious Kiibi, who led the mass, prayed for Primary Seven pupils, including the survivors. He emphasised daily prayers in the school, saying it will play a big role in fighting the enemies of the school. (Credit: Nicholas Kajoba)
Stanley Musagala, the school headteacher, confirmed to New Vision during an interview that the school has officially reopened today (August 10). “We have re-opened officially today, Monday, August 10, and all our pupils will undergo counselling sessions this term,” Musagala said.
Musagala said that they have partnered with several organisations, including Joint Clinical Research Centre, to ensure that both their pupils and parents are counselled.
“We have been working with several organisations for the past one or two weeks to support counselling services to children and teachers here at the school. We are still implementing the counselling services for all pupils in the school throughout the term," he said.
The school director (Prossy Ssekadde) promised to keep the legacy of her deceased husband, saying: “As the new director of the school, I urge parents to support us with my teachers to ensure that the mission and objectives of the founder of this school thrive despite his demise.”
Raymond Wambusa, a Primary Seven pupil who is among the survivors, said the accident happened when he had dozed off in the bus.
The school director (Prossy Ssekadde) promised to keep the legacy of her deceased husband, saying: “As the new director of the school, I urge parents to support us with my teachers to ensure that the mission and objectives of the founder of this school thrive despite his demise.” (Credit: Nicholas Kajoba)
“I just woke up to a loud bang. That’s when I discovered that I was on the ground with blood stains all over my shirt. Several children were lying on the ground lifeless, while others were crying for help. I got a few injuries: scratches on my face and left hand. We were then taken to Mbale Hospital for treatment," Wambusa recounted.
Sarah Nakitende, a parent whose two children survived during the tragedy, said she gives glory to God. “I am grateful to God for the survival of my two children, but also want to thank the school administration for ensuring both parents and children have been counselled since the tragedy occurred,” she said.
Robert Lwanga, the Makindye–Ssabagabo municipality inspector of schools, said, “We visited the school on Friday, met the teachers and directors. We discussed with them the strengths and gaps that needed to be fulfilled before the school can officially reopen.”
Lwanga said that during the inspection, officials assessed issues such as the number of teachers, security, hygiene and environmental readiness.