By Jamillah Kemigisa
A tragic fire erupted on Thursday afternoon at Kabarole Adventist Secondary School in Fort Portal Tourism City, destroying the school’s library and science laboratory as students, parents, and staff looked on in horror.
The blaze broke out as students had gathered on campus to collect their end-of-term report cards. According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing two vital academic facilities and reducing years of resources to ash within minutes.
“I was in class when I heard screams from the staff room. I saw fire, and we all ran for our lives,” recounted Derrick Muhumuza, a Senior Five student who witnessed the inferno firsthand.
Many boarding students had stored personal belongings such as mattresses, clothes, and books in the library for safekeeping during the holidays. These were completely destroyed along with essential school materials—textbooks, computers, and scientific equipment.
“I lost my mind when I heard about the fire. All I wanted was to confirm that my child was safe,” said Jackeline Namugga, a visibly shaken parent who rushed to the school upon hearing the news.
The school’s headteacher, Mr. Joshua Kagaba, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“This is a heartbreaking setback. We’ve lost critical infrastructure that supports our students’ learning. We urgently need help to rebuild and recover,” he said.
Authorities from Fort Portal Tourism City swiftly arrived at the scene to assess the damage. While no injuries were reported, officials acknowledged the severe academic and emotional toll of the incident. They pledged support for the school’s recovery and announced district-wide safety audits to prevent similar tragedies.
Preliminary investigations point to an electrical fault as the likely cause of the fire, although a full inquiry is ongoing.
In response to the destruction, the school has launched an emergency appeal for support. It is calling on alumni, community members, and well-wishers to donate books, computers, laboratory equipment, and funds to help restore the lost facilities.
The tragedy has also sparked renewed calls for improved fire safety standards in Ugandan schools, particularly during off-term periods when supervision is reduced.
Kabarole Adventist Secondary School is a private, faith-based institution recognized for its academic performance and discipline. Situated in the heart of Fort Portal, it serves both day and boarding students from across the Tooro region. The now-destroyed library and laboratory had been central to the school’s educational mission.
