The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan East and KMP South are investigating two separate incidents of arson on school dormitories at Young Elite Primary School in Kasokoso and MH Junior School Nabbingo, respectively.
CP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson, believes the incidents are related to two separate undisciplined pupils aged 11 and 16 who were fed up with school.
The facts gathered indicated that on June 3, 2022, a one Mutwama Aminadabu, a 16-year-old P.7 pupil of Young Elite School, Kasokoso, Kira Municipality packed his school items and returned home where he told his parents that he was no longer interested in school.
They instead chased and forced him to return to school.
Upon reaching school, the suspect set his properties on fire which spread and burnt 7 other mattresses, clothes, school uniforms, 4 beds, 1 dispense and part of the roof to the dormitory.
The suspect escaped from school and is till at large.
“It is fortunate that no pupils got injured since they were in class however, properties valued at approximately 10m got burnt,” said Enanga.
In a separate development, on June 4, 2022 at about 5.48am, a one Muyanja Anani Aramathan, aged 11 and P.4 pupil of MH Junior School Nabbingo, Ituga Cell, Kyengera Town Council, informed his matron Nalwanga Cissy, about a fire outbreak in the dormitory.
The matron found when the fire had just started burning the bed of Muyanja Anani and immediately put out by neighbors and the school staff.
A matchbox was recovered under the bed of Muyanja who was fed up with the school and hated classes.
He, therefore, wanted to burn the school so that they are sent home.
The matter was reported to Kakungube Police by the Headteacher Nakhaima Aggrey, aged 26.
Fires in schools can be dramatic effect on the educational environment for the pupils and the staff, said Enanga.
“We urge Headteachers and school staff to closely watch out for pupils who have a dislike for classes and seek services of counsellors, parents and guardians, to help minimize the risks of arson in schools.”
He added: “In addition, target hardening practices like deterring unauthorized entry into the school, buildings, ensure all combustible items are kept away from pupils and conducting fire risk assessments regularly.”