Uganda High Court trial proceeds for 2018 school dormitory fire

Two former students, Alex Mugarura and Edison Niyo, are facing trial in the Masaka High Court for their alleged involvement in a 2018 dormitory fire at St Bernard’s Secondary School Maanya. The fire, which occurred on November 11, 2018, resulted in the deaths of ten students and several injuries.

Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba ruled that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to require the accused to enter their defense. The defendants face dozens of counts, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property. The prosecution alleges that Niyo and Mugarura conspired to set the boys’ dormitory on fire following their suspension from the school.

During testimony, Mugarura challenged the prosecution’s evidence, claiming he and Niyo were at a private residence playing cards at the time of the incident. He also questioned the validity of their suspension, suggesting it may have been an attempt to implicate them in the fire. However, the court noted testimony from the former head teacher regarding intelligence that the students intended to retaliate against the school.