Kworo High School confiscates 15 mobile phones over fire risk concerns

30 November 2025, 6:20 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Kworo High School in Pader District has confiscated 15 mobile phones from students, citing serious safety risks after one device nearly caused a fire in the dormitories.

The announcement was made on Saturday during the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Annual General Meeting held in the school hall.

PTA chairperson James Okumu Toopaco, while addressing parents on rising cases of indiscipline, revealed that the school narrowly avoided disaster when a student attempted to charge a phone by connecting the charger wires directly to the battery terminals. The battery reportedly swelled and began emitting smoke before a teacher intervened.

Okumu warned that such incidents could easily ignite a dormitory fire, resulting in loss of life. He reminded parents of the 2008 Budo Junior School tragedy, in which 20 people—18 pupils aged seven to ten and two adults—died in a dormitory fire.

According to Okumu, teachers have also reported that some girls hide phones in their bikers, making thorough checks uncomfortable for both staff and students. He urged parents to remain vigilant as the two-month holiday approaches.

School authorities defend phone confiscation

Kworo High School headteacher Beatrice Atim confirmed that the confiscated phones will not be returned. She stated that the school strictly prohibits students from bringing phones, arguing that mobile devices disrupt concentration, expose learners to pornography, and facilitate inappropriate communication with boys, which could lead to early pregnancies.

Atim noted that overall student discipline has improved compared with previous years, attributing this to strong collaboration among staff, PTA executives, the Board of Governors, and the school administration.

With enrolment rising, Atim announced plans to recruit more teachers to maintain quality education. She also urged parents to closely monitor girls during the long holiday to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

District education office backs school measures

Assistant District Education Officer Rose Filder Lalam, while delivering her remarks, said the Education Act empowers schools to enforce rules in cooperation with parents. She emphasised that PTA meetings promote accountability and collaborative problem-solving.

Lalam also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commitment to the new competence-based curriculum, which prioritises technology, innovation, and practical skills.

On the issue of school safety, she noted that Pader District’s education department has developed a contingency plan for handling disasters. She urged Kworo High School to establish a disaster preparedness committee to help identify and respond to risks early.

Background

Kworo High School is a private girls’ secondary school located in Lagwai Parish, Pader Town Council, with additional campuses in Nwoya and Kitgum districts. In 2025, the school enrolled 805 learners—40 day scholars and 765 boarders—supported by 50 staff members, including 24 full-time, seven part-time, and 19 support staff.

This is not the first time phone-related conflicts have arisen at the school. On 11 November 2024, eight students were detained at Pader Central Police Station following an attempted strike triggered by another phone confiscation exercise.