Kakamega Catholic Diocese has called for thorough investigations into the fire tragedy that recently struck Utumishi Girls Senior School, claiming the lives of 16 girls while several others sustained serious injuries.
Led by Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the Diocese said the tragedy points to a deeper moral crisis that requires urgent attention, adding that no individual should be blamed before investigations are concluded, including the principal and the school administration.
Call for deeper investigations
Speaking during the Uganda Martyrs celebrations at St. Charles Lwanga Senior School in Mukumu, Bishop Obanyi said it was important to establish the underlying motives behind the actions of the students linked to the incident.
He observed that the resolution to the tragedy lies in understanding the backgrounds of those involved, including the role of parents and the wider community.
The bishop encouraged teachers and other education stakeholders to undertake comprehensive investigations into the circumstances that led to the dormitory fire.
Looking beyond blame
Bishop Obanyi noted that reports indicate the girls captured on CCTV footage may have been acting in response to issues related to school administration, examinations, and peer pressure.
He urged education officials to focus on reviewing school programmes and addressing underlying concerns rather than rushing to assign blame.
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“Blaming the Board of Management (BoM) and other educationists is not a solution to the problem. We need to scrutinize the situation because calamity rings no bell,” the bishop remarked.
Parents urged to strengthen discipline
He called upon parents to instill discipline in their children, provide moral guidance, and pay closer attention to their welfare and basic needs.
The bishop expressed concern over increasing cases of student unrest in schools, claiming that influences from communities surrounding learning institutions contribute to challenges such as drug abuse and indiscipline among learners.
Addressing root causes
“There are challenges facing institutions which culminate in students engaging in arson. Why is it that a student reasons to buy a matchbox and kerosene to set other students on fire?” he posed.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to address the root causes of student unrest in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
By Hilda Atika
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