School fire: Parents in Rakai mark anniversary

SCHOOL FIRE |RAKAI 

Masaka Diocese last week joined families of the 10 students who perished in the dormitory fire at St. Bernard's SS, Mannya, to commemorate their second death anniversary.

The fire occurred on November 11, 2018 when unknown arsonists sneaked into the school and torched the Senior Three dormitory shortly after night preps. Ten students were burnt beyond recognition.

Their remains had to be identified using a DNA test. Those who were burnt are Charles Ssuuna (16), Sam Nsubuga (15), Timothy Bukenya (16), Geoffrey Lutaaya (21) and Remegious Tamale (16).

Others are Anthony Ssekitende (15), Hudson Byamukama (22), Emmanuel Kasozi (15), Sharif Dodiye (15), and Maurice Basiita (15).

Another 37 students escaped with severe burns. John Baptist Kaggwa, the retired Bishop of Masaka Diocese, said they are still deeply hurt, traumatised, and disappointed in the way the matter was handled, even after the constant promises by the Government to intervene and expedite the trial.

"We are wondering what really happened? No information is coming out about what's going on. It gives us a feeling that the matter was forgotten or it is moving at a snail's pace," he said.

The Police arrested six suspects, including four students plus a night watchman and a policeman who were on duty that fateful night.

They were produced in court and later remanded to Masaka Government Prison.

But Kaggwa said the case has stalled for two years, leaving the families of the victims in pain, as well as that of the suspects stranded.

He added that the foundation body (the Catholic diocese) still demands to know the actual cause and the person who was behind the gruesome incident.

"Although students who sustained severe injuries were treated and recovered after some time, we wish to know what happened next because the case is at a standstill, yet findings in the investigations were not shared with us," he said.

Different organisations and institutions, including the Cotton On Foundation, Buganda kingdom, Kooki cultural institution, and other well-wishers contributed to the reconstruction of the dormitory and improved security at the school.

Kaggwa added that the diocese has a big task of ensuring that the students at the school are safe, which makes them answerable to the parents who entrust them with their children, hence the need to get updates about investigations and court proceedings.

Kaggwa prayed for the parents of the students who were burnt in the fire and the survivors to have peace in their hearts and for those who passed away to rest in eternal peace.

Frank Baine, the Uganda Prisons spokesperson, said the four students who were arrested in connection with the fire are still in custody, while the security guard was released on bail, pending trial.

He said the students have tried to get bail, but have not been successful.

Baine said the case may not come up for hearing soon, since it is of 2019, yet the court is still handling case backlogs of 2015 up to 2017.

Parent's account

Charles Ssuuna's mother, Caroline Nabasaji, a resident of Kalisizo town council, said they expected a speedy trial, but that that has not been the case and that, as a result, some families gave up. She said her son's death still haunts her.

"I dedicate this day praying for my son to rest in peace. The memories keep coming because he was my eldest son," she said.

She appealed to government agencies to intervene in the matter and to ensure a speedy trial.