Speaker Among orders probe into school deaths

By John Odyek

KAMPALA - The brutal murder of a Primary One pupil in Soroti district, the drowning of another in Kampala, and the apparent suicide of a teenage student in Mukono district.

These are the tragic school-related deaths that Speaker of Parliament Anita Among cited on Tuesday (February 25) as she directed the education ministry to probe the worrying trend.

After the investigations, she also tasked the ministry with providing a report on their findings.

In the same spirit, Among said schools must step up in protecting their learners.

“You cannot have a child who has never been to a swimming pool suddenly thrown into one, only to drown. This is an utterly tragic situation,” she said.

The Speaker also spoke of how the recovery of the slain Soroti pupil from a pit latrine at the school led to the discovery of four other skulls in the same pit.

Higher education state minister John Chrysestom Muyingo confirmed that a team from the education ministry had already visited the school in Soroti and would submit a comprehensive report. 

“These tragic incidents are real, and the Police have begun their investigations," he told lawmakers.

"We are hopeful that their findings will offer guidance, and as a ministry, we are committed to enhancing school inspections."

Kaliro district Woman MP Brenda Namukuta said such incidents occur every year and require immediate investigation.

Her Soroti district counterpart, Joan Alobo, agreed, saying immediate action must be taken in the Soroti case.

Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu said it is important to reassess and evaluate school conditions, particularly regarding inspections. 

“I am unsure about the minimum requirements for establishing a school in Uganda. There are schools with only two classrooms and no toilets," he said.

Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu spoke of the broader challenges facing school administration and management. 

“We have a serious issue with young children, some as young as three, being placed in boarding schools. It is imperative that we revisit and enforce minimum standards for such institutions,” he said. 

Ssewungu urged the education ministry to establish clear safety standards, particularly for facilities like swimming pools.

Chief Opposition Whip John Baptist Nambeshe underlined the critical role parents must play in raising children. 

“We need to acknowledge the vital role fathers have in parenting, and make greater efforts to support them in this responsibility,” he said.

He also said co-operation between parents is important in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.