KASESE- The Rwenzori East Regional Police have confirmed and commenced investigations into the tragic passing of Nabasirye Sulaina, an 18-year-old senior four student at Bwera Secondary School in Kasese district.
Nabasirye died on Monday night after sitting UCE exams on the first day.
According to SP Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, Nabasirye sat for her Uganda Certificate of Education exams on October 14, alongside her classmates, and participated in night preparations afterward.
After returning to the dormitory around 11:00 PM, Nabasirye began experiencing breathing difficulties. The school matron, Penin Biira, promptly transported her to Bwera General Hospital for medical attention.
Tragically, despite efforts to save her, Nabasirye was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, around 12:30 AM.
SP Tumushime stated that the student, identified by her index number U0436/200, had just completed two UNEB exams the previous day. Bwambale Amos, a teacher and patron of student leaders at the school, reported that Sulaina was rushed to Bwera Hospital after experiencing severe agitation but tragically died upon arrival.
The news has left fellow candidates, teachers, and the local community in shock as they struggle to come to terms with the loss. Sulaina lived with her mother in Katero Cell, Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, where family and friends are now in deep mourning.
Rev. Messach Bulemu of the Archdiocese of Bwera urged community members to remain calm and to pray for the students still taking their exams. Ester Ithungu, a concerned parent who rushed to the school, expressed her sorrow over the sudden loss and called on the school administration to organize prayers for all candidates.
Ms Grace Nyiraneza, Sulaina’s mother, was inconsolable, sharing that her daughter had aspirations of becoming a doctor. “She was full of dreams,” Grace said through tears.
Dickson Masereka, the school head prefect, remembered Sulaina as a friendly and compassionate individual who was dedicated to her future success.
This is the second incident of a senior four candidate dying during examinations 2024.
On Saturday, 16-year-old Emmanuel Maate, a senior four student at Karambi Senior Secondary School, was found hanging in his room.
Reports indicate that Maate had been dealing with personal issues including an alleged relationship that resulted in the pregnancy of a junior student which had reportedly caused him significant distress.
