Authorities responded by temporarily closing the government-funded school on Thursday to allow investigations to proceed without disruption.
St Thomas Vocational Secondary School in Rubirizi District has been temporarily closed following the death of a Senior Three student who allegedly succumbed to injuries after being beaten by a teacher over a suspected love letter.
The deceased, Ankunda Sheila, was found dead in her dormitory on Wednesday, a day after she was allegedly assaulted during evening prep. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and residents, with police launching investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to family members and fellow students, trouble began on Tuesday evening when a teacher identified as Girivazi Twinamasiko, also known as Gava, allegedly confronted Sheila over a love letter reportedly found in her possession. Witnesses claim the teacher severely beat Sheila and several other students during the punishment.
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Robson Muhangazi, Sheila’s brother, who is also a student at the school, said he witnessed his sister being beaten before she was later returned to the dormitory. The following morning, she was found dead.
Muhangazi further alleged that when he rushed to the girls’ dormitory after learning of his sister’s death, police officers and school staff prevented him from entering to see her body or establish what had happened.
Authorities responded by temporarily closing the government-funded school on Thursday to allow investigations to proceed without disruption.
Sheila’s body was taken to Rugazi Health Centre IV before being transferred to KIU Hospital in Bushenyi for a post-mortem examination. She was buried on Friday, June 26, at her family home in Kajani Village, Nkanga Sub-county, Bushenyi District.
Grace Birungi, the deceased’s mother, demanded answers over the circumstances that led to her daughter’s death and called for justice.
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“I want to know why my daughter was beaten so severely. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable,” she said.
Police have not yet released the results of the post-mortem examination or announced any arrests. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether any criminal charges will be preferred.
The tragic incident has reignited debate over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools and the safety and welfare of learners.
