Seven suspects who were arrested by police in Ntungamo district over an arson that destroyed two dormitories at Kyamate secondary school killing one student, Bonus Ankwatireire yesterday appeared in Ntungamo chief magistrates court, and were remanded to Ntungamo prison until March 27,2023 – except one juvenile suspect (identity concealed) who has been sent to Kabale remand home.
The suspects face one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder, one count of arson and 175 counts of malicious damage to property in Ntungamo district.
The other 6 suspects include Kanyesigye Odongo Odomal, Arinatwe Anthony, Tumwesigye Arnold, Asiimwe Joshua, Tumushabe Wilber,Twesigye Lawrence.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi police spokesman says the eighth suspect Kushaba Norman was exonerated during investigations.
On February 27, the boys’ dormitory at Kyamate SS located in Ntungamo Municipality was burnt by a senior three student Tumushabe Wilber who had been suspended on February 22, 2023, over bullying of Senior One students including Bonus Ankwatireire. Tumushabe reportedly warned the school administration that he would return for revenge on Ankwatireire who had caused his suspension. Ankwatireire had reported Tumushabe to the school’s administration for frequent bullying but the school disregarded the threat.
On the fateful night, Tumushabe returned to the school dormitory where he tied Ankwatireire to the bed and set the dormitory on fire using petrol. The students who were in the dormitory scampered for safety as Ankwatireire burned to ashes.
