A 12-year-old pupil from Madera Boys Primary School in Soroti City East, Uganda, died after falling into a pit latrine on Saturday night. John Paul Ekaru, a resident of Asinge cell in Madera Ward, was reported to have fallen into a four-stance pit latrine that collapsed, leading to his immediate death.
According to school authorities, Ekaru had requested permission from the matron to use the latrine, which was granted. Around midnight, Ekaru asked his friend Isaac Otim to accompany him to the latrine, but Otim declined, leaving Ekaru to go alone.
It is believed that Ekaru fell into the pit latrine when the slab, weakened by recent rainfall, gave way. The pit latrine, which had an open roof and was in poor condition, collapsed under the boy’s weight.
Esau Odidi, a local who assisted in recovering the body, reported that they had to break down the walls and remaining slabs of the pit latrine to retrieve Ekaru’s body. The body was found in a standing position, covered in faecal matter.
Innocent Alelimanah, the Officer in Charge of Soroti City East Division Police Station, led a team of youths who worked to recover the body from the pit latrine.
Upon discovering the tragedy, Ekaru’s relatives arrived at the school around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, deeply distressed and questioning how such an incident could have occurred.
Ann Grace Ariokot, the headteacher of Madera Boys Primary School, was reportedly too ill to speak with journalists. However, Francis Abwaimo, a teacher at the school, confirmed that the pit latrines at the school are old and in disrepair. Abwaimo noted that while students generally use the newer latrines during the day, they often resort to the dilapidated ones at night due to their proximity to the dormitory.
Simon Opolot, the Soroti City Inspector of Schools, revealed that the school’s matron was unaware of Ekaru’s absence until the morning assembly. It was only then that the missing pupil was noted. Opolot also mentioned that a recent inspection had identified a shortage of pit latrines at the school. Funds have been allocated for the construction of a new four-stance latrine, and work on this project has already begun.
During the school assembly following the incident, teacher John Eumu advised students to remain calm, suggesting that the incident was part of a greater plan.
Simon Peter Etenu, Ekaru’s uncle, called on the school administrators to ensure that all pit latrines, shelters, and dormitories are properly maintained to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Students at Madera Boys Primary School have urged their administrators to dismantle the old, condemned pit latrines to prevent them from being a safety hazard.
Edison Obukulem, the East Kyoga regional police spokesperson, stated that he had not yet received detailed information about the incident.
