KANUNGU, Uganda
Police in Kanungu District have arrested a former student of Butogota Trinity College, identified as Elisha John, on suspicion of setting fire to the school’s hostel.
The fire broke out at around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, destroying the hostel and reducing students’ belongings to ashes.
According to the school’s head teacher, Wens Muhwezi, the blaze quickly spread through the dormitory, causing extensive damage to the building and everything inside.
Students lost personal property, including clothes, mattresses, books, and other essential items that had been left in the hostel.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported as the students were attending evening prep classes when the fire started.
“The hostel was empty at the time because the students were in their night prep sessions,” a school official said.
Police have since taken Elisha John into custody as investigations into the incident continue.
Investigators visited the scene to assess the damage and gather evidence that could help establish the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are also recording statements from school administrators, students, and other witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry.
An official police report is expected once investigations are completed.
The destruction of the hostel has left many students without their belongings and created challenges for accommodation arrangements at the school.
School management is currently assessing the extent of the damage and exploring ways to support affected students as learning continues.
The incident has also sparked renewed calls for stronger fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in boarding schools across the country.
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