Police in Jinja city have launched comprehensive investigations into the mysterious death of Anisha Kwagala, an S.4 student at St. John Secondary School, Wakitaka, located in the city’s northern division.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, October 7, 2024, when the young girl developed complications. Despite efforts by the school authorities to rush her to a nearby health facility, she tragically passed away at the gate of an undisclosed private clinic that morning.
Initial reports suggest that Kwagala, who had been battling heart complications, succumbed to heart failure. However, mixed reactions have emerged within the community, with some speculating that her death might have occurred under different circumstances.
When news of Kwagala’s death broke, several students reportedly fainted, unable to believe the sudden loss of their fellow student. The incident sparked swift communication among parents, who, alongside other locals, stormed the school to ascertain the cause of the tragedy.
The situation quickly drew police attention, as authorities were concerned about the possibility of a protest. There were conflicting reports, with some speculating that Kwagala died in the dormitory, while others suggested she was killed in a hit-and-run accident near the school gate.
Kwagala was the daughter of Mr. Abudallah Suuta, the LC3 chairperson of Butagaya subcounty in Jinja district. According to reports, she had been unwell for some time.
Mr. Sanon Mwesigwa, the headteacher of St. John SS, confirmed that after recognizing Kwagala’s poor health, the school had contacted her family on Sunday. Her mother (whose name was not provided) sent some medication for her.
“There has been a lot of misinformation about this unfortunate event. We are fortunate that the police are here with us to help establish the exact cause of the girl’s death,” Mr. Mwesigwa said while addressing a school assembly, which was attended by students, parents, and police officers, including Jinja DPC Innocent Mubangizi.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson, warned that spreading misinformation could create unnecessary panic. He urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasizing that spreading false information is an offense.
“Let us be responsible, especially when it comes to sharing information. Spreading false information can cause panic in the community. You could be charged with spreading false and malicious information,” Mubi cautioned.
He added, “The police visited the school and engaged with the management. We spoke to the matron and some parents to establish the facts. Please remain patient while we carry out our investigations.”
At the school assembly, DPC Mubangizi expressed his condolences to the grieving family and reminded everyone that death is inevitable.
“The initial reports were different from what I have found here. We respond based on the information we receive, but from what I’ve gathered, most of you know that this girl was sick, and some of you even helped carry her. There’s one fact we cannot escape: death is unavoidable,” he said.
Mr. Suuta, the father of the deceased, said, “You can’t imagine—just a few days before her final exams, she has passed away. But all of this is in God’s plan.”
