Busia, Uganda | In the wake of a devastating fire at Billy and Polly Primary School in Marachi ‘C’ village, Busia municipality, seven individuals have been taken into custody by local police. The fire resulted in the complete destruction of all student property.
Among those arrested are the Municipal Education Officer, Mr Aggrey Munyororo; the Municipal Inspector of Schools, Mr Godfrey Barasa; the school owner, Mr Bosco Erupun; the headmaster, Mr Andrew Okwi; a security guard, Mr Geoffrey Ojok; and teachers Mr John Adoa, Tony Okolong, and Paul Osiwa.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic fire at Victory Nursery and Primary School in Busia municipality, which claimed the lives of four students and left two others hospitalised. The deceased students were identified as James Magero, 11, a Primary Five student; John Richard Oburu, 10, a Primary Four student; Mahmood Ali, a Primary Three student; and Odero Makokha, a Primary Six student.
While no students were injured in the fire at Billy and Polly Primary School, their belongings, including mattresses, books, metallic boxes, clothes, and other items, were completely destroyed before the police could extinguish the fire.
The suspects are currently being held at Busia Central Police Station as investigations continue.