A tragic incident at Thomas Vocational Secondary School in Buruma, Rubirizi District in western Uganda has sparked shock and grief after the death of a female student under circumstances that remain unclear.
The deceased, identified as Ankunda Shillah, is reported by family members and fellow students to have died by suicide while at school. The incident has since triggered public concern, with relatives and the school community demanding answers about what exactly happened before her death.
Allegations Over Punishment Before Death
According to accounts shared by family members, Shillah was allegedly punished after being found with a love letter. It is claimed she was subjected to 80 strokes and later expected to appear before the school’s disciplinary committee.
These allegations have not been independently verified, but they have fueled anger and questions from the public as pressure mounts on the school administration to explain the sequence of events.
Brother Claims Confusion Over Her Whereabouts
Speaking about the incident, Bob, who identified himself as the deceased’s elder brother and also a student at the same school, said he last saw Shillah on Monday when she was allegedly taken by the Director of Studies (DOS) for disciplinary action.
He claims that on Tuesday and Wednesday, he was repeatedly told she was in the dormitory, until students began raising alarm that she had been found dead.
Bob further alleges that he was initially blocked from accessing the scene, later confined to a room while police removed the body, and was asked to sign documents confirming he had seen his sister — which he says he refused.
Student Strike And Rising Tensions At School
The incident reportedly triggered a student strike, with learners demanding justice and transparency over the circumstances of their colleague’s death.
Witnesses claim police were deployed to the school as tensions escalated, with authorities moving to restore order while investigations began.
Mother Questions Suicide Claim
Family members have also raised doubts about the reported cause of death. Shillah’s mother, who reportedly viewed the body at KIU International Hospital mortuary, says she was not convinced that her daughter died by suicide.
She further alleges that her daughter had a known heart condition that the school was aware of, questioning whether proper care and consideration were given before any disciplinary action was taken.
Calls For Independent Investigation
As investigations continue, the family is calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and independent inquiry involving education authorities, human rights bodies, and law enforcement agencies.
They insist that only a full investigation will establish the truth and provide accountability for what happened.
At the time of publication, authorities had not released detailed findings on the incident, and the allegations made by the family remain unverified.
