By Moses Kintu
Tragedy struck Balawoli Primary School in Balawoli Town Council, Kamuli District, late Sunday night as a fire ripped through the boys’ dormitory, claiming the life of a 12-year-old pupil and destroying a significant amount of property.
According to a statement released by ASP Kasadha Micheal, Regional Spokesperson for Busoga North, the fire broke out around 11:00 pm on May 25, 2025, engulfing the boys’ dormitory in flames and reducing the pupils’ belongings to ashes.
The victim has been identified as Famba Bernard, a P.5 pupil and son to the school matron. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the school community and the wider Kamuli district.
The fire led to the complete destruction of the boys’ dormitory, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Mattresses, scholastic materials, and personal belongings were all consumed by the blaze.
Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit may have been the cause of the fire. The statement details how Famba Bernard was asleep when the fire started.
His two siblings reportedly ran to alert the school matron, who was stationed at the girls’ wing, approximately 70 meters away from the burning dormitory.
However, by the time the alarm was raised, the fire had intensified, trapping the young boy inside.
A team of police officers, led by the DPC, responded swiftly to the scene, managing to salvage some property amidst the chaos.
The body of Famba Bernard was recovered from the burnt-out dormitory and taken to Kamuli General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
ASP Kasadha Micheal stated that further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
“The territorial police in Kamuli are investigating the cause of fire outbreak in which a 12-year-old pupil perished and various items destroyed,” he confirmed in the official statement.
The loss of young Famba Bernard is a devastating blow to the Balawoli Primary School community.
Authorities are urging caution and emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students in boarding schools.
