By Emmanuel Okiria
Authorities in Soroti district have given private schools operating illegal dormitories a 14-day deadline to shut down these facilities.
This decision follows the tragic murder of a pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, which has sparked concerns over the safety and regulation of boarding sections in private institutions.
Investigations into the matter have revealed that most private schools in Soroti City and the wider district lack the required licenses to operate boarding facilities.
According to officials, out of 60 private schools in Soroti City, only two, Soroti Parents and Goshen Nursery and Primary Schools have been legally cleared to operate both day and boarding sections.
During the requiem mass for the murdered pupil, Soroti City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) addressed the public, stating that one of the school directors was arrested on suspicion of luring families to enroll their children in the institution.
However, East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nakyuha later clarified that the individual arrested was not a school director but rather a teacher from a different school in the city.
“To clarify, the person who was arrested is not a director of any school but a teacher in one of the schools within Soroti City,” Nakyuha stated, seeking to correct earlier misinformation regarding the suspect’s identity.
This tragic incident has caused widespread fear and disruption among pupils, teachers, and parents.
Soroti City Principal Education Officer Paty Emokor noted that many students have stopped attending school, particularly younger children who feel vulnerable in the wake of the murder.
“The task we have now is to fight the fear that has prevented children from returning to school,” Emokor emphasized, urging parents to reassure their children and encourage them to resume their education.
The psychological impact of the crime has been profound.
Soroti City East Mayor Paul Omer reported that many children are now terrified of using school latrines, fearing similar attacks.
“I have also noted the fear young children now have in visiting the latrines. Many of them are still affected by the imaginations of Apio’s murder in a latrine. They now think that the murderer is hiding in every latrine,” he said.
Omer called on the government to reinforce security in schools to ensure the safety of pupils and prevent further incidents of abuse.
Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding weighed in on the matter, stating that the murder of Joan Faith Apio should serve as a stark warning to deter others from engaging in similar heinous acts in pursuit of wealth.
His statement underscored the gravity of the crime and the urgent need for stringent enforcement of school regulations.
In response to these developments, the authorities have vowed to crack down on illegal school dormitories and ensure compliance with established regulations.
Schools that fail to meet the required standards within the 14-day ultimatum risk closure.
This move is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding children’s well-being and restoring confidence in the education system in Soroti district.
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