The Deputy Spokesperson Kampala metropolitan Police Luke Owoyesigyire has revealed that Kiusbi Police station is investigating the drowning of a senior three student identified as Peter Kirwana at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK).
Owoyesigyire has in a statement revealed that Kirwana’s death happened at around 5:40pm during a swimming lesson at the school premises on Friday.
“It’s alleged that a Senior Three student, Kirwana Peter, drowned during a swimming lesson conducted by the school’s coach, Mukasa Roger, aged 46. The student was pulled out of the pool by the coach and fellow students but was found struggling to breathe” he said.
Owoyesigyire noted that the student was rushed to Kisubi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Police responded immediately, a death Enquiry File has been opened at Kisubi Police Station, and the coach has been arrested and charged with rush and neglect” he said.
Owoyesigyire said the deceased body was taken to Mulago Hospital for postmortem examination as investigations into his death continue.
St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), one of Uganda’s oldest and respected Catholic-founded schools, came under heavy scrutiny from parents and Old Boys after Kirwana’s death was announced by the Head Teacher, Bro. Mpanga Simeon Simon without any explanation of how he had died in a statement dated 25th October to the school community.
“With profound sadness, we ann9unce the untimely death of our beloved student, Kirwana Peter, S.3”
Without giving an explanation how the student died, Bro. Mpanga announced the burial date of the deceased.
“The Burial will be held on Sunday, 26th October in Narozali, Masaka at 4pm. Our Heart go out to the family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. May Peters Soul rest in Peace” he said.
However the head teacher’s failure to explain the circumstances under which the student died has left more to question from parents, school community and Alumni.
A section of parents and Old Boys reportedly expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the incident and have since demanded a detailed explanation of what exactly happened to the deceased.
Recent Students death’s at school
On Sunday, August 3, Kevin Nsamba, a 21-year-old senior six student at Seeta High School drowned in the school’s swimming pool
A school statement claimed that after a football match, Nsamba, who did not know how to swim, and other students entered the pool without authorisation.
The administration stated they were unaware of the incident until a roll call later that evening revealed Nsamba was missing.
His body was later recovered from the pool and the school’s swimming pool lifeguard, Kato Diriisa, was arrested to assist with police inquiries.
Early this year, a 16-year-old Senior three student, Ssesazi Elishammah was reportedly found hanging in in the dormitory.
