Soroti City, Uganda – An 11-year-old pupil at Madera Boys Boarding Primary School in Soroti City East Division tragically lost his life after a pit latrine accident on the night of July 26th.
The victim, identified as John Paul Ekaru, was a Primary 3 pupil.
According to the East Kyoga police spokesperson, Edison Obukulem, the incident was reported by the school’s head teacher, Annet Grace Ariokot, at Madera Police Station under case file vide SD REF05/27/072024.
The police report indicates that Ekaru visited the pit latrine around 9 pm, when the dilapidated structure suddenly collapsed, trapping him inside.
The child’s body was discovered the following morning at 7 am after a roll call and a search operation conducted by the police fire department.
Several statements from witnesses have been recorded, and an investigation into the matter has been launched by the police, led by the OC Station.
Ekaru’s body has been transferred to Bethesda Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The tragic event raises concerns about the state of school infrastructure and the safety of students in learning institutions.