Student Dies After Chaos at Kitgum Boma Grounds Football Match

28 March 2026, 12:21 pm

By Otim Moses

Police in Kitgum District are investigating the sudden death of a 17-year-old senior two student following a chaotic incident at Kitgum Boma Grounds during a school football match on Friday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Ojok Francis, a student of Comprehensive College Main Campus and a resident of Corner Angwen Village in Porogali Sub-county, Pader District.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 4:00 PM after a match between Comprehensive College Main Campus and Rev. Jabuloni Issoke Secondary School. Rev.

 Jabuloni Issoke Secondary School reportedly won the match, after which a section of students allegedly became unruly and blocked the main gate, preventing others from leaving the venue.

Security personnel who had been deployed at the grounds intervened to restore order. Police say teargas was fired into the air to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated, causing students to scatter in different directions.

In the ensuing confusion, Ojok reportedly ran towards Kitgum Hospital and attempted to enter through an opening in the perimeter fence. He collapsed before gaining access to the hospital premises. Fellow students rushed him to the Emergency Ward, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The exact cause of death has not yet been established. Police have indicated that a postmortem examination will be conducted to determine what led to the student’s death.

Authorities visited both the scene and the hospital, and the body was later taken to Kitgum Hospital Mortuary. Statements have been recorded from witnesses, and police confirmed that no other injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident.

As investigations continue, police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation.

The Uganda Police Force also emphasized that safety at public events is a shared responsibility, calling on schools and event organizers to ensure proper crowd control and discipline, and to work closely with security agencies to prevent similar incidents.