Concerns over the safety of school infrastructure have resurfaced after two Primary One pupils were killed and three others critically injured when a classroom collapsed at Runyinya Primary School in Sheema District.
The incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Runyinya Parish, Kigarama Sub-county, during a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds.
The deceased have been identified as Joseph Musasizi and Ayesigye Griphine, both Primary One pupils.
The injured pupils—Clinton Akanyijuka, Innocent Tumuramye and Byamukama Deus—were rushed to Kabwohe Health Centre IV, where they are receiving treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, more than 30 pupils were inside the classroom when strong winds blew off the roof before one of the walls collapsed, trapping some of the children under the rubble.
The school headteacher, Eldard Tumwesigye, said the incident happened shortly after a heavy storm hit the area.
“We had a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds that lasted for about two hours. The winds removed the roof of the classroom and shortly afterwards the wall collapsed, trapping the pupils inside,” Tumwesigye said.
The tragedy has raised questions about the condition of school buildings and whether regular structural inspections are being conducted to identify potentially dangerous facilities before disaster strikes.
Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sam Orikunda described the incident as unfortunate and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“This is a very painful incident. We have lost young lives, and our thoughts are with the affected families. We are working with relevant authorities to establish what exactly happened and prevent such incidents in future,” Orikunda said.
Orikunda called on district engineers to regularly inspect government buildings, particularly schools and other public facilities, to identify structural weaknesses and provide timely technical advice.
“Early assessment of structural risks and prompt intervention can help prevent avoidable tragedies and save lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents criticised what they described as a delayed emergency response, with Dan Mugizi, the district councillor representing older persons, calling for faster intervention by security agencies during emergencies.
“In such emergencies, quick intervention is needed to control the situation and help the victims,” Mugizi said.
Saul Mwesigwa, a resident of Runyinya Parish, alleged that the classroom block had been in a dilapidated condition for a long time.
“The building was old and in a poor state. We had raised concerns about its condition, and unfortunately this has happened,” Mwesigwa said.
The Sheema District Woman Member of Parliament, Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, expressed condolences to the families of pupils who lost their lives and those injured.
“It is painful that this resulted in the loss of pupils’ lives and injuries. My deepest sympathies go out to the grieving families and everyone affected by this awful tragedy,” Katusiime said.
The bodies were taken to Kabwohe Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations.
By press time, police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
