Tired of school: Two separate school fires by young discouraged learners

In both cases, the children were allegedly fed up with school.

School fires Pulse

"The facts gathered indicated that on the June 3, a one Mutwama Aminadabu, a 16-year P7 pupil of Young Elite School, Kasokoso, Kira Municipality packed his school items and returned home, where he told his parents that he was no longer interested in school. They instead chased and forced him to return to school. Upon reaching school, the minor set his properties on fire, which spread and burnt 7 other mattresses, clothes, school uniforms, 4 beds, and part of the roof to the dormitory," Police Spokesman Fred Enanga writes in the Police website.

The police statement continues to state that the suspect escaped from school and is still at large. No pupils were injured because they were in class, but properties valued at approximately 10m shillings got burnt, according to Police.

In related news, on the June 4 at about 5.48am, a one Muyanja Anani Aramathan, aged 11 and P.4 pupil of MH Junior School Nabbingo, Ituga Cell, Kyengera Town Council, informed his matron Nalwanga Cissy, about a fire outbreak in the dormitory.

The matron found that the fire had just started burning the bed of Muyanja Anani and was immediately put out by neighbours and the school staff.

A matchbox was recovered under the bed of the pupil. He later said he was fed up with the school and hated classes and therefore wanted to burn the school, so that they are sent home.

"The matter was reported to Kakungube Police by the Headteacher Nakhaima Aggrey, aged 26. Fires in schools can be dramatic effect on the educational environment for the pupils and the staff. We urge Headteachers and school staff to closely watch out for pupils who have a dislike for classes and seek services of counsellors, parents and guardians, to help minimize the risks of arson in schools," Enanga's statement reads.

Police urges school leaders to deter unauthorised entry into schools to ensure all combustible items are kept away from pupils while conducting fire risk assessments regularly.