By Northern Press Correspondent

Photo by Denis Omony
June 12, 2025

NWOYA, UGANDA – Chaos erupted at Coo-rom Primary School in Nwoya District on Thursday, June 12, 2025, as enraged parents stormed the school, destroying property in protest over the tragic death of a 12-year-old Primary Four pupil.

The child was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle belonging to a government ministry along the Koch Goma-Anaka road at approximately 9:00 AM.

According to reports, the pupil had been sent home by a classroom teacher to fetch potato leaves to be used as a blackboard wiper when the incident occurred. The vehicle, allegedly traveling at high speed, struck the child, leading to their immediate death. The identity of the pupil has not been disclosed, pending notification of the family.

Parents’ Fury Leads to Destruction

In response to the tragedy, furious parents descended on the school, expressing their grief and outrage by vandalizing property. Windows were shattered, desks overturned, and school materials destroyed as the community grappled with the loss. Local authorities, including police from Koch Goma, were deployed to restore order, but tensions remained high throughout the day.

A parent, speaking anonymously to avoid reprisals, lamented, “How can a teacher send a young child out of school during class hours for such a task? This is negligence, and we demand justice for our child.” Others echoed similar sentiments, accusing the school administration of failing to ensure the safety of their children.

School Administration Responds

The headteacher of Coo-rom Primary School, whose name has been withheld, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for calm. “We are devastated by the loss of our pupil. We are cooperating fully with the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” the headteacher stated.

Preliminary investigations suggest the teacher’s decision to send the pupil home may have violated school safety protocols. The Nwoya District Education Officer, Mr. James Okello, confirmed that an inquiry has been launched to establish whether the teacher’s actions constituted negligence. “We will take appropriate action based on the findings,” Okello said.

Government Vehicle Under Scrutiny

The vehicle involved in the accident, reportedly marked with government insignia, has raised questions about the conduct of public officials. Eyewitnesses claim the driver was speeding and failed to stop immediately after the incident. The Ministry responsible for the vehicle has not yet issued a statement, but sources indicate that the driver has been taken into custody for questioning.

The Koch Goma-Anaka road, a vital artery connecting Nwoya District to Gulu and other parts of Northern Uganda, has long been a concern for residents due to frequent accidents. Local leaders have repeatedly called for speed bumps and road signs to improve safety, particularly near schools.

Community Demands Action

The incident has sparked broader calls for accountability and reform. Community leaders, including the Nwoya District LCV Chairperson, Mr. Patrick Okello Oryema, condemned the incident and urged the government to address road safety issues. “This is not the first time we’ve lost lives on this road. We need urgent action to prevent further tragedies,” Oryema said.

Parents and residents are also demanding compensation for the deceased pupil’s family and disciplinary action against the teacher and school administration. Some have called for the government to provide counseling services to support the school community in the wake of the tragedy.

A Call for Reflection

The death of the 12-year-old pupil has cast a shadow over Coo-rom Primary School and the wider Nwoya District. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures in schools and on public roads. For now, the community mourns a young life lost too soon, while seeking answers and justice.