news 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Young Pupil Tragically Killed by Falling Eucalyptus Tree in Budaka
A nine-year-old primary school pupil in Budaka District has lost his life after being struck by a falling eucalyptus tree while reportedly gathering firewood. The incident occurred on Sunday when two chainsaw operators were felling trees. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nine-year-old-budaka-pupil-killed-by-falling-eucalyptus-tree-5637280
Tragedy struck in Budaka District on Sunday when Stuart Musede, a nine-year-old pupil of Kamonkoli Mixed Primary School, died after a eucalyptus tree fell on him. Musede, who was a Primary Two student, was in the vicinity of Kamonkoli B Village, Kamonkoli Town Council, when the incident occurred around 11 am.
According to police, the tree was being cut by two individuals, Siraji Muloki and Kenneth Weere, who were working for a property owner identified as Swaibu Nduga. It is understood that Musede had gone to the area with others to collect firewood when the fatal accident happened.
Wilfred Kyempasa, the North Bukedi Regional Police spokesperson, stated that the incident was reported by a local driver. Police have registered a case of causing death through a rash and negligent act and have initiated an investigation. A homicide team visited the scene, and the deceased’s body was transported to Budaka Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination.
Initial reports suggest that the operators felling the trees may not have implemented sufficient safety measures to prevent people from entering the area during the operation. The head teacher of Kamonkoli Mixed Primary School, Fred Muduko, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children from potential dangers in their environment.
Eucalyptus trees are a common sight across Uganda, valued for their timber, poles, and use as firewood. This unfortunate event underscores the risks associated with tree-felling operations, especially in areas frequented by the public.