SHEEMA
Two pupils were killed and several others injured on Wednesday after a classroom block collapsed at Runyinya Primary School in Kigarama, Sheema district.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon when strong winds accompanied by heavy rain ripped off the roofing of four classrooms.
The collapsing roof and other debris fell onto pupils who were inside the classrooms. Two pupils whose identities had not been established by press time, were killed and several others injured.
The injured pupils were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
Local leaders and residents responded to the scene to rescue trapped pupils as panic gripped the school. Authorities had not yet issued an official statement on the incident by press time.
The latest tragedy comes amid growing concerns over the safety of school infrastructure, especially during the rainy season when strong winds and storms frequently damage buildings.
Meanwhile, the same downpour caused extensive destruction in Katwe-Kabatoro town council in Kasese district, where floodwaters swept away St. Jude Rwenjubu Catholic Church.
Residents said the torrential rains left a trail of destruction across the area, damaging property and disrupting normal activities. The church was among the worst-hit structures as floodwaters overwhelmed the area.
Community members have appealed to the government and humanitarian agencies to provide emergency assistance to affected families. No fatalities had been reported at this second incident by press time.
But police and local authorities were by Wednesday evening assessing the damage in both Sheema and Kasese districts, as residents counted losses caused by the heavy rains.
