By Enatu Steven
Tragedy struck at Madera Boys Boarding Primary School in Soroti City East when an 11-year-old pupil, John Paul Ekaru, met a sudden and tragic death in a pit latrine accident on the night of July 26th.
The incident was reported by the school’s head teacher, Annet Grace Ariokot, at Madera Police Station under case file SD REF05/27/072024. According to East Kyoga police spokesperson Edison Obukulem, the accident occurred when the dilapidated latrine structure collapsed, trapping young Ekaru inside.
The tragic event unfolded around 9 pm when Ekaru went to use the pit latrine and failed to return, concern grew among his peers and teachers. His absence was noted during the roll call the next morning at 7 am, prompting a search. The search team, assisted by the police fire department, discovered and retrieved his body from the collapsed latrine, later confirming it was Ekaru.
The police, led by the Officer in Charge (OC) Station, have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, with several statements already recorded from witnesses. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the structural failure and to hold accountable those responsible for maintaining the school’s facilities.
Ekaru’s body was conveyed to Bethesda Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to provide further insights into the tragic incident. The school community is left in mourning, and the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of school infrastructure.