Police Await Postmortem After Death of Student at Kiira College Butiki

Jinja police are currently investigating the circumstances under which a senior four student at Kiira College Butiki, collapsed and died. The deceased is identified as Joshua Lukonda, 17.

According to James Mubi, the Kira Regional police spokesman, Lukonda a hailing from Namutumba district, fell from his bed around 07:50 pm on Monday. The incident reportedly occurred after the deceased had complained of a severe headache on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

He sought medical attention by visiting the school dispensary where he was administered Panadol before returning to his dormitory to rest, however, as fate would have it, Lukonda suddenly fell off his bed to the ground unconscious, causing his fellow students to call for help.

As his condition worsened, the school authorities called for an ambulance and rushed Lukonde to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. He was consequently provided with oxygen on his way to the Jinja Main Hospital. Mubi further says that his condition worsened with a high heartbeat recorded at 105 per minute, ultimately resulting in his passing before reaching the hospital.

The deceased’s body was taken to the mortuary at Jinja main hospital pending further investigation, with police awaiting the postmortem report.

Mubi has cautioned all educational institutions in Jinja, including kindergartens, primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, to maintain standby medical teams, including laboratory technicians, operating 24/7. Additionally, schools are urged to promptly report both minor and serious illnesses to parents and make necessary referrals to avoid similar tragedies.

Police also recommended that all individuals interacting with students undergo child policy and safety training courses, with periodic reviews to uphold the highest standards of care and protection for learners.