Authorities in Kamuli District are investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a 12-year-old pupil and razed a boys’ dormitory at Balawoli Primary School on the night of Sunday, May 25.
The deceased, identified as Bernard Famba, was a Primary Five pupil at the government-aided school located in Balawoli Town Council.
The fire broke out at around 11pm and swiftly engulfed the entire dormitory, reducing it and its contents to ashes.
Preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have been sparked by an electrical short circuit.
Bernard, who was asleep at the time, failed to escape the flames.
His two siblings, who were also in the dormitory, attempted to alert the school matron—stationed at the girls’ wing about 70 metres away—but it was too late to save him.
The fire destroyed mattresses, uniforms, books, and other scholastic materials. Police officers responded promptly, managing to rescue some property and secure the area to prevent further damage.
Bernard’s remains were recovered from the smouldering rubble and taken to Kamuli General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Kamuli District Police have since launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the scale of destruction.
Authorities say findings will guide further action, including potential improvements to school safety protocols.
This tragedy adds to a troubling pattern of dormitory fires across Ugandan schools, particularly at the beginning of new academic terms.
Similar incidents have in the past been blamed on faulty wiring or, in some cases, suspected arson linked to student unrest or institutional rivalries.
In the wake of this incident, education officials and school administrators are being urged to reinforce safety standards, including regular electrical audits and better emergency response planning, to protect learners and school facilities.
The community in Balawoli is grieving the loss of Bernard, remembered by classmates and teachers as a bright, cheerful, and promising student.
His death is a painful reminder of the persistent safety gaps in many boarding school environments—and the devastating cost of inaction.