Police in Kanungu District have arrested a Senior Four student of Trinity College Butogota Secondary School in connection with an alleged arson incident that led to a fire outbreak at the school’s male dormitory.
The incident occurred on Monday at around 8:30pm in Butogota Town Council, Kanungu District.
The suspect, identified as Elisha John, a 20-year-old Mukiga and resident of Butogota Upper, is alleged to have set fire to the dormitory following his suspension from the school on 3rd June 2026 over repeated acts of indiscipline contrary to school rules and regulations.
Preliminary findings indicate that on the evening of the incident, the suspect reportedly accessed the school premises and was seen moving within the compound. He is further alleged to have picked a uniform that had been hung on a clothesline before joining other students for evening preps in the library, where he reportedly stayed briefly before leaving unnoticed.
Shortly thereafter, during a short break, a student who went to the dormitory water point reportedly saw flames coming from the male dormitory and immediately raised an alarm. On responding to the scene, another student is said to have seen the suspect running away from the area half-dressed without a shirt.
SP Nelson Tumushime, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the development and said Police at Butogota Police Station were alerted and quickly responded to the scene together with local residents, managing to contain the fire before it could spread further.
SP Tumushime confirmed that no injuries or loss of life were recorded as a result of the incident, though property damage is yet to be fully assessed.
He said that the suspect is currently in custody as inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire.
CUE IN SP TUMUSHIME….ON THE ARREST….RR/ENG//
