By Our Reporter
Authorities have temporarily closed St Thomas Vocational Secondary School in Rubirizi District for two weeks following the death of a Senior Three student under circumstances that remain under investigation.
The decision was made after 16-year-old Ankunda Sheila was found dead in her dormitory on Wednesday, prompting unrest among students and renewed calls for accountability from her family.
According to relatives, Sheila had allegedly been beaten by a teacher during night prep studies a day before her death. They dispute the initial account from police and school authorities suggesting she died by suicide, insisting that investigators establish the true cause of her death.
Sheila’s brother, Robson Muhangazi, who also studies at the school, claimed the teacher allegedly assaulted several students, including his sister, on Tuesday evening. He further alleged that he was prevented by police and school officials from accessing the dormitory after his sister’s body was discovered.
The teacher identified by the family as Girivazi Twinamasiko, also known as Gava, has been accused of administering the alleged punishment. The allegations have not been confirmed by investigators.
The student’s body was transferred from Rugazi Health Centre IV to KIU Hospital in Bushenyi for a post-mortem examination before she was laid to rest at her family home in Kajani Village, Bushenyi District, on Friday.
The incident sparked protests at the school, forcing police to intervene and disperse students. Following the unrest, district authorities ordered the temporary closure of the government-funded institution to allow investigations to proceed without disruption.
Rubirizi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Douglas Rwamutojo said the school would remain closed for two weeks as police continue gathering evidence.
During Sheila’s burial, mourners called for a thorough and transparent investigation into both her death and the allegations of assault, urging authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
Police say the circumstances surrounding Sheila’s death will be determined after the post-mortem results and the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
