Suleiman Beigana, a student at Shuhadal Islamic Secondary School, has been admitted to Mbarara Hospital after sustaining injuries in a fire that engulfed the school dormitory on Friday morning.

The dormitory accommodates at least 202 students from Senior 2 and Senior 3.

Isaq Mugerwa Kafeero, the headteacher, reported that the fire broke out at around 4:30 am while students were preparing for morning prayers and preps. The blaze resulted in the loss of books, mattresses, clothes, and other personal belongings.

Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region police spokesperson, confirmed that the police fire and rescue services, with assistance from the Nyamitanga Diocese fire brigade, managed to extinguish the fire, which had already caused significant property damage. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in schools. According to the National Building Review Board, an inspection of 120 private and public schools last year revealed that none had a fire hydrant on site for emergencies.

About 10 percent had a hydrant nearby, and 30 percent had installed fire detection and alarm systems, although many lacked adequate coverage.