Uganda police force has confirmed that 9 students of Mannya secondary school in Rakai died in a fire that gutted an s.3 boys’ dormitory last night.

Emilian Kayima the police spokesperson told a press conference in Kampala that the fire broke out just after mid night on Monday. Local police and residents tried to rescue the students, unfortunately, 9 had died.

Others were traumatized and those that were injured in inferno are being treated at Kitovu hospital. According to the police person, the deceased students’ names will not be released to the media until their families have been informed. 

He adds that s.6 students who are sitting their final exams at the school today were counseled by police earlier this morning.

It is also alleged that some s.4 candidates that were expelled from the school months back could have started the fire.

“There is high suspicion that some of the 10 students of senior four that were recently expelled from school due to indiscipline could have had a hand in this crime. One of these students has been apprehended for interrogation as investigations into the cause of the fire and its ugly effects continue” Kayima said.

He condoled with grieving parents and school administration. Kayima also cautioned school administrations to tighten security around their premises to avoid similar incidents. He also promised that promise would investigate the incident and bring all culprits to book.