Eight pupils have been injured after a classroom collapsed during a lesson at a private primary school in Lira City East Division.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
LIRA CITY – Police in Lira City East Division are investigating a case of rash and negligent act causing injuries after a classroom at Al- Aqsa Islamic School collapsed, leaving eight pupils injured.
The incident occurred on April 7, 2026, at about 12:50 p.m. during a Primary Five science lesson at the school located in Ireda West Cell, Ireda West Ward.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the classroom teacher, Ocen Adam, heard a sudden loud noise caused by falling concrete blocks which struck the roof and broke through the ceiling board.
He immediately alerted the pupils to evacuate the classroom. However, as the pupils attempted to leave, more debris continued to fall, injuring several of them.
Police said two pupils sustained serious injuries. They were identified as Mohammed Ahmed (11), who suffered head injuries and nose bleeding, and O’Mara Muntasir (10), who sustained an injury to the left hand.
Six other pupils sustained minor injuries and complained of body pain. They were identified as Oskim Yogeza (10), Hazil Aspan (11), Amagat Satra (10), Fatuma Ahmed (10), Habiba Bua (13), and Safia Ahmed (11).
Police officers from Lira City East Division, led by Divisional Liaison Officer IP Ayepa Michael, responded to the scene and conducted a fact-finding visit.
According to police findings, the Primary Five classroom was poorly constructed, with weak structural support and substandard ceiling installation that did not meet acceptable engineering standards.
Authorities also observed that the Primary Two classroom ceiling was sagging and at risk of collapse, while visible cracks were detected across the entire building, indicating serious structural weaknesses.
The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) documented the scene, and the school director has since been arrested on allegations of rash and negligent act causing injuries.
Police have warned that the school building is currently unsafe and poses a serious risk to both pupils and staff.
Authorities have therefore recommended that the school be temporarily closed to allow reconstruction in accordance with approved engineering standards under the supervision of the City Engineer, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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