Primary Seven candidates from Kamuli Girls’ Boarding Primary School in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda, have been sent home after a dormitory fire occurred on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The fire, which began on one of the beds in the dormitory named Bungu House, rapidly consumed the entire structure. Despite the loss of property, including mattresses, bed sheets, clothes, and books, all the students were safely evacuated.
The 101 candidates affected by the incident will receive psychological counseling with their parents until next Tuesday. During this time, parents will communicate with their children and provide the necessary support for them to prepare for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), which will take place from November 7 to 9, with an expected 749,371 candidates participating.
Joseph Musoke, the Kamuli Municipal Education Officer, expressed relief that all 101 candidates were safe and well-prepared for the upcoming exams. He emphasized that the remaining time before the exams would be used for revision.
Monica Nairuba, a parent representing the Kamuli Town Clerk, advised parents not to engage in speculation regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the Busoga North Police Spokesperson, Michael Kasadha, commended the swift response of the fire brigade unit in extinguishing the fire. He also praised the dormitory matron and the pupil who first noticed the fire for their efforts in evacuating all the students. An investigation into the cause and motive of the fire is currently underway.
