Two schools lost 14 students in Ukara ferry accident
What you need to know:
- Two schools in Bwisya Village, Ukara Ward have lost 14 pupils and students in the MV Nyerere tragedy with teachers in the schools saying the number could rise after a comprehensive follow up.
Ukerewe. At least 14 students from Bwisya secondary and primary schools perished during the MV Nyerere disaster on Thursday, September 20, 2018.
Bwisya Secondary School acting head teacher Emmanuel Minja told The Citizen during an exclusive interview that that boys and six girls from the school died in the ferry tragedy.
He noted that out of the eleven students, three were in Form Four and the rest were from the other forms at the schools.
“We have lost three Form Four students, two of them are girls and one boy,” he said.
He said the students were arriving from Bugorola Island where they had gone to collect school uniforms and other items.
Bwisya Primary School head teacher Sabuni Yohana said his school lost three pupils in the disaster, all of them girls.
He added that the number could be bigger and called for an investigation when classes resumed.
“I will make a comprehensive follow up immediately after studies have recommenced after the rescue exercise is concluded,” he said.
According to him, before the accident Bwisya Primary School had 900 pupils, 21 teachers and other staff including security guards.
According to him, the number of dead pupils was established after reviewing the attendance register.
Bwisya Village chairman Oru Magero said he was yet to establish the exact number of pupils and students who perished during the accident.
“I have managed to visit some households in Bwisya and neighbouring villages. The figure will change if more bodies are recovered,” said Magero.
MV Nyerere capsized on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Bwisya Village in Ukara Ward, Ukerewe, killing 227 people. Forty one others were rescued.
