Police in Ntungamo District are investigating circumstances under which a student died after a fire gutted two male dormitories at Kyamate Secondary School in Ntungamo Municipality on Sunday night.
The block containing the two dormitories for boys caught fire at around 9pm, killing Atukwatse Bonus, 16, and injuring three others.
The injured are Marvin Nuwenyesiga, Isaiah Ajjuna and Amanya Lisbon who were rushed to Ntungamo Family Care Hospital for treatment.
The block houses 146 students of Senior One whose property worth millions was destroyed, including books, suitcases, mattresses and clothes
Rwizi regional police spokesman Samson Kasasira said the Police Fire and Rescue services responded and was able to contain the fire, stopping it from spreading to other buildings
He said preliminary findings point to suspected arson by use of petrol by unknown persons
“Inquiries into the matter continue,” Kasasira said.
A student, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, claimed some former students at the school jumped over the school fence and access the dormitories.
“They were about ten people and when they entered, they tied one student on the bed and ordered all of us to remain silent. They had a jerry can of petrol which they spread across the room,” said the student.
He added: “They immediately left. After, we untied the student but as we struggled to move out, fire started.”
The body of the deceased student was taken to Itojo hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem.