SHEEMA, Uganda — Tragedy struck Runyinya Primary School in Kigarama Sub-county, Sheema District, after a classroom block collapsed during a heavy storm, killing two pupils and leaving three others critically injured.
The deceased have been identified as Joseph Musasizi and Ayesigye Griphine, both Primary One pupils. The injured “Clinton Akanyijuka, Innocent Tumuramye, and Byamukama Deus” were rushed to Kabwohe Health Centre IV for emergency treatment.
The incident occurred when strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall swept through the area, bringing down the classroom while pupils were inside.
Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sam Orikunda described the incident as a devastating tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their children and wish the injured pupils a quick recovery,” Orikunda said.
He called on district engineers and other relevant authorities to carry out regular inspections of government buildings, particularly schools, to identify weak structures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragedy has sparked outrage among residents, who blamed the collapse on the deteriorating condition of the classroom block and criticized what they described as a delayed emergency response.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kabwohe Health Centre IV Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Police had not issued an official statement by the time of publication, but authorities said investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the classroom collapse.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of aging school infrastructure and prompted calls for urgent inspections and rehabilitation of vulnerable classroom blocks across the district.
