By Male Marvin
Kifamba, RAKAI — On Monday (Nov. 12), the first lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni spoke to parents and residents of Rakai district still grappling with news of the tragic school fire that left 11 students dead, and 30 badly injured.
According to media reports, the fire gutted one of St. Bernard’s SS Mannya’s dormitories that housed at least 50 senior three students on Sunday night. NTV Uganda reported that the victims had been locked inside the dormitory.
In her remarks, Mrs Museveni said government will search and find the people responsible for the tragic incident, “so that they be judged accordingly; and we shall do it,” she said.
“I understand that there are some students who had been dismissed from the school for misbehaving and they are suspected to have a hand in this incident. I implore members of the community to guide such children so that we do not raise children who are insensitive and self centred,” she said.
The first lady was in the company of Gen. Elly Tumwine, the security minister and the Director General of Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
They held a joint meeting with the school administrators, RPC, RDCs, DPCs, DISOs, and other district leaders from Kyotera, Rakai, and Masaka.
“The President sent a humble contribution to the families of the deceased. We shall also support the families who’s children are in hospital because of this tragedy,” she said.
Adding: “May the Lord comfort you all in such a difficult time.”
St. Bernard’s SS Mannya is a Catholic founded and Government aided school located in Rakai district, kifamba sub-county, mannya village. Authorities resolved that all students vacate the premise except candidates sitting their exams to allow considerable investigations.
The deceased students include Charles Ssuuna, 16, Sam Nsubuga, 15, Tomity Bukenya, 16, Geoffrey Lutaaya, 21, Remegious Tamale, 16, Antonio Ssekitende, 15; Hudson Byamukama, 22, Emmanuel Kasozi, 15, Sharif Dodiye,15 and Maurice Basiita, 15.
Bodies burnt beyond recognition were moved to Mulago Hospital in Kampala for DeoxyriboNucleic Acid test before handing them to their respective families.
