By Robert Segawa
Shock and grief gripped pupils and teachers of Wansimba Primary School in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, after a 15-year-old boy died following a fight with a fellow classmate.
The deceased has been identified as Collin Byaguba, a Primary Five pupil and son of Mr. Waiswa Mutagaya, a resident of Namavundu Village.
According to SP James Mubi, the Kiira Region Police spokesperson, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening during an altercation between the two pupils over an unresolved misunderstanding. The exact cause of the dispute remains under investigation.
Disturbingly, the incident unfolded in full view of other pupils, who reportedly made no attempt to intervene or alert school authorities.
SP Mubi urged schools and higher institutions of learning to strengthen counseling and guidance programs both during and after lessons. He also called on teachers to establish safe, reliable, and confidential reporting mechanisms for students to report such incidents.
“Teachers must not leave pupils—especially in primary schools—unsupervised. Class teachers should appoint a responsible pupil to monitor their peers or leave clear instructions with class representatives to ensure the safety and security of all learners,” Mubi emphasized.
The school’s headteacher, Mr. George Waibi, promptly reported the incident to police. Officers responded quickly, recorded statements from witnesses, and took the alleged offender—aged 14—into custody as investigations continue under the guidance of the prosecution.
The body of the deceased was transported to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Authorities are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
