A tragic incident at Thomas Vocational Secondary School in Buruma, Rubirizi District (western Uganda) , has left a family grieving and sparked calls for a thorough investigation after the death of a female student under circumstances that remain unclear.
The deceased, identified as Ankunda Shillah, is alleged by family members and students to have died by suicide while at the school. The incident has triggered widespread concern, with relatives, students, and community members demanding answers about the events leading up to her death.
According to accounts from family members, Shillah was allegedly punished after being found with a love letter. It is claimed that she received 80 strokes and was expected to appear before the school’s disciplinary committee.
Speaking about the incident, Bob, who identified himself as Shillah’s elder brother and is also a student at the same school, said he last saw his sister on Monday after she was allegedly taken by the Director of Studies (DOS) for disciplinary action.
Bob claims that when his sister failed to appear on Tuesday, he inquired about her whereabouts and was reportedly told that she was in the dormitory. He says he received the same response on Wednesday until students began raising alarm, claiming that Shillah had been found dead.
According to his account, he attempted to access the scene but was allegedly prevented from seeing his sister by school staff. He further claims that he was later confined to a room while police removed the body and that he was asked to sign documents indicating that he had seen his sister, which he says he refused to do.
The incident reportedly sparked a student strike, with learners demanding justice and transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding their colleague’s death. Witnesses claim that police were deployed to the school as tensions escalated.
Family members have also raised questions about the cause of death. Shillah’s mother, who reportedly viewed the body at KIU International Hospital mortuary, says she was not convinced by claims that her daughter had taken her own life.
The grieving mother further alleges that her daughter had a known heart condition and that the school was aware of her medical status. She questions whether sufficient consideration was given to her daughter’s health before any disciplinary measures were allegedly administered.
As investigations continue, the family is calling on relevant authorities, education officials, human rights organizations, and law enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Shillah’s death.
The family says it is seeking truth, accountability, and justice, insisting that all facts be established through a thorough investigation.
At the time of publication, authorities had not publicly released detailed findings regarding the incident, and the allegations made by family members had not been independently verified.
