news 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rakai School Fire Suspects Claim They Were Framed
Two students accused in the deadly 2018 fire at St. Bernard's SS Mannya have presented their defense in Masaka High Court, asserting their innocence and claiming they were framed by school administration. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/we-were-framed-rakai-school-fire-suspects-tell-court-5581924
Alex Mugarura and Edison Niyo, facing numerous charges including murder and arson related to a dormitory fire at St. Bernard’s SS Mannya in November 2018, have told Masaka High Court that they were not at the scene of the crime. The accused testified that on the night of the incident, they were at Niyo’s residence playing cards, only learning about the fire later.
Mugarura argued that the fire, which resulted in the deaths of 10 students and injuries to others, must have been planned prior to their suspension from school. He believes the administration unfairly targeted him and other suspended students, presenting evidence that the student responsible for damaging school property, which led to their suspension, was not punished.
Both Mugarura and Niyo detailed how prosecution exhibits, such as a laptop bag and a paraffin bottle, were allegedly misinterpreted. Niyo explained that the bottle found in his possession was being used to store paraffin for his home lantern, and a police officer present during the search had noted this. Mugarura also recounted losing personal belongings, including his Primary Seven pass slip, in the fire, emphasizing his grief and the severe impact the accusation has had on his education and family.
The defense lawyer, Sam Ssekyewa, stated that after presenting their witnesses, they are optimistic about a just outcome for their clients. The case, which has been ongoing for over seven years, is now awaiting a decision from the assessors and the court. The judge has adjourned the hearing to September 8 for the assessors to be present, with the accused remanded in custody.