Authorities in Rubirizi District have temporarily closed St. Thomas Vocational Secondary School as police investigate the death of a Senior Three student who allegedly died after being beaten by a teacher over a suspected love letter.
The student, identified as Ankunda Sheila, was found dead in her dormitory on Wednesday, a day after she was reportedly punished during an evening prep session. Her death has shocked parents, students, and the local community, prompting calls for justice and a thorough investigation.
According to relatives and fellow students, the incident began on Tuesday evening when a teacher, identified as Girivazi Twinamasiko, commonly known as Gava, allegedly confronted Sheila after a love letter was reportedly found in her possession. Witnesses claim the teacher beat Sheila and several other students during the disciplinary session.
Sheila’s brother, Robson Muhangazi, who also attends the school, said he watched as his sister was allegedly beaten before she was taken back to the girls’ dormitory. The following morning, students discovered her dead.
Muhangazi further claimed that when he rushed to the dormitory after hearing about his sister’s death, police officers and school officials stopped him from entering, preventing him from seeing her body or learning what had happened.
In response to the incident, authorities ordered the temporary closure of the government-funded school on Thursday to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
Sheila’s body was first taken to Rugazi Health Centre IV before being transferred to KIU Hospital in Bushenyi for a post-mortem examination. She was later laid to rest on Friday, June 26, at her family home in Kajani Village, Nkanga Sub-county, Bushenyi District.
Her mother, Grace Birungi, has demanded answers about the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death and called on authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“I want to know why my daughter was beaten so badly. Whoever is responsible must face justice,” she said.
Police have not yet released the post-mortem findings or confirmed any arrests. Investigators say inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact cause of Sheila’s death and determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
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