Eight pupils injured in Lira classroom collapse, Director arrested

8 April 2026, 12:02 am

By Winnie Auma

Police in Lira City East Division have arrested the director of AL’AQSA Islamic School following an incident in which falling concrete blocks injured eight pupils. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at around midday during a Primary Five science lesson at the school, located in Ireda West Cell.

According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema, the class teacher, Ocen Adam, heard a loud noise as concrete blocks suddenly collapsed. The debris struck the roof and broke through the ceiling board, causing panic in the classroom.

The teacher quickly instructed pupils to evacuate, but as they rushed out, more debris continued to fall, injuring several of them. Two pupils sustained serious injuries: eleven-year-old Mohammed Ahmed suffered head injuries and a nosebleed, while ten-year-old O’Mara Muntasir injured his left hand. Six others—Oskim Yogeza, Hazil Aspan, Amagat Satra, Fatuma Ahmed, Habiba Bua, and Safia Ahmed—sustained minor injuries and reported pain.

Okema said police officers, led by Divisional Liaison Officer IP Ayepa Michael, responded promptly and carried out a fact-finding inspection at the scene.

Their findings revealed that the affected classroom was poorly constructed, with weak structural support and substandard ceiling installation.

Authorities also discovered that another classroom, used by Primary Two pupils, has a sagging ceiling at risk of collapse. Visible cracks across the building further indicated serious structural weaknesses.

As a result, the school director, 59-year-old Bua Aus-Ogwang, has been arrested on allegations of a rash and negligent act causing injury.

Police have since recommended the temporary closure of the school to ensure the safety of pupils and staff, as reconstruction is undertaken under the supervision of the City Engineer.

Authorities say the incident highlights the dangers of substandard construction in learning institutions. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are urging school owners to adhere strictly to approved building standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.