Makerere University has confirmed that student Ms Francisca Amongin died from carbon monoxide poisoning, bringing clarity to a case that had initially been left unresolved.
Amongin, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics and Economics), was earlier reported dead without a confirmed cause as investigations were still underway.
On Saturday, the Office of the Minister for Students’ Affairs at Makerere University, through Owen Nasasira, announced her death but noted that the exact cause was yet to be established.
“We have lost a dear sister, Amongin Francisca, a Year 2 student who was pursuing Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics & Economics). However, her cause of death is yet to be determined,” Nasasira said at the time.
However, a postmortem report later released through the same office has now confirmed that Amongin died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“The report indicates that Ms. Amongin died of suffocation caused by oxygen deprivation and inhalation of harmful gases, specifically carbon monoxide poisoning,” Nasasira said in a Monday update.
Preliminary findings suggest that the incident may have resulted from a stove left on in a poorly ventilated room with doors and windows closed, leading to a build-up of toxic gases.
The university has confirmed that burial arrangements are underway. Amongin will be laid to rest on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Aninolal Village, Inomo Sub-county, Kwania District, her ancestral home.
“Ms. Amongin will be laid to rest tomorrow on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in Aninolal Village, Inomo Sub-county, Kwania District, her ancestral home,” Nasasira said.
Makerere University has urged students and staff to support the bereaved family as they prepare for her final send-off, as the institution mourns the loss of one of its students.
