Authorities in Masindi district have closed Arise and Prosper Nursery and Primary School following the death of a teacher caused by the collapse of a wall at the school.
Bridget Alinaitwe, a 30-year-old mathematics teacher, died on July 31, 2024, at Kijunjubwa Kitara Medical Hospital. She was injured when a wall of a semi-permanent structure at the school fell during heavy rain. Alinaitwe was reportedly attempting to rescue children who had sought refuge inside the structure during the downpour.
The wall collapse also resulted in injuries to six children, who were admitted to various health facilities. One child has since been discharged.
The closure of the school, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sanon Dhaala and acting district education officer Monica Kiiza, was enacted on Thursday. This decision was made to allow time for investigations by the Police, the education department, and the district engineer.
According to the school director, Moses Nayebale, the semi-permanent structure had been used for storage and to park students’ bicycles. He stated that Alinaitwe was attempting to rescue children from the structure after strong winds exacerbated the risk of collapse.
During the authorities’ visit, it was discovered that the school was operating without a valid license, although Nayebale was in the process of acquiring one. Kiiza emphasized the need for schools to meet required safety standards to prevent such incidents in the future.
Dhaala urged school proprietors to address unsafe structures promptly to avoid accidents.
Bridget Alinaitwe will be buried on August 2, 2024, in Kyabigambire cell, Bulima town council, Masindi district.
