32 pupils injured in storm
THIRTY-two pupils of Kot Ongola Primary School in Kiryandongo district sustained serious injuries when a classroom block collapsed on them.
By CORNES LUBANGAKENE
and DAVID LAKOCH
THIRTY-two pupils of Kot Ongola Primary School in Kiryandongo district sustained serious injuries when a classroom block collapsed on them.
The incident happened on Friday during a heavy afternoon downpour. Primary Four and Five pupils were affected.
Twelve pupils were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital in critical condition, while 20 others were admitted to Mola Medical Centre in Bweyale town.
Kiryandongo Hospital medical superintendent Dr. Jimmy Eyiga said four pupils sustained broken bones, head and joint injuries.
The school head teacher, Benson Okello, attributed the tragedy to shoddy work on the building.
However, some teachers linked the incident to witchcraft.
Reports show that at least three women and two men were last year chased away from the village over allegations of practising witchcraft.
Sources said four teachers, including the previous head teacher, abandoned the school due to witchcraft.
The district education officer, Edward Kirya, said: “It is unfortunate that such an incident happened at the school. The pupils are responding well to treatment.â€
Kirya said the district was looking for funds to construct the two classroom blocks and advised the school administration to find temporary shelter for the pupils.
and DAVID LAKOCH
THIRTY-two pupils of Kot Ongola Primary School in Kiryandongo district sustained serious injuries when a classroom block collapsed on them.
The incident happened on Friday during a heavy afternoon downpour. Primary Four and Five pupils were affected.
Twelve pupils were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital in critical condition, while 20 others were admitted to Mola Medical Centre in Bweyale town.
Kiryandongo Hospital medical superintendent Dr. Jimmy Eyiga said four pupils sustained broken bones, head and joint injuries.
The school head teacher, Benson Okello, attributed the tragedy to shoddy work on the building.
However, some teachers linked the incident to witchcraft.
Reports show that at least three women and two men were last year chased away from the village over allegations of practising witchcraft.
Sources said four teachers, including the previous head teacher, abandoned the school due to witchcraft.
The district education officer, Edward Kirya, said: “It is unfortunate that such an incident happened at the school. The pupils are responding well to treatment.â€
Kirya said the district was looking for funds to construct the two classroom blocks and advised the school administration to find temporary shelter for the pupils.