In the latest court session at Masaka High Court, the narrative of the tragic fire at St Bernard’s Secondary School in Rakai District was further detailed. The first state witness testified that the fire, which resulted in the death of 10 students and injuries to approximately 36, was intentionally set, ruling out an electrical short circuit as the cause.

Steven Samuel Kibuuka, the principal government analyst, presented his findings to Judge Victoria Nakintu Katamba. The Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) concluded that the fire was started by unknown individuals using petrol, as evidenced by hydrocarbon traces found in the debris and a broken window that likely served as the entry point for the incendiary device.

The court also heard the poignant testimony of Rashid Bbosa, a student who survived the fire. He described the chaos as he and others tried to escape, only to find the dormitory doors locked from the outside, leaving them trapped as the fire spread.

The prosecution submitted a report from the government lab, which faced scrutiny over the clarity of its photographic evidence, leading to a request for more detailed, colored images.

During cross-examination, Kibuuka acknowledged that the investigation did not conclusively eliminate the possibility of an electrical short circuit, revealing a potential oversight.

The case has been adjourned to April 16, allowing time for the prosecution to call additional witnesses. The amended charge sheet accuses three students from the school and a local resident of 48 counts, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and attempted arson, related to the November 11, 2018, fire that led to the deaths of Remigious Tamale and nine other students. The accused remain in custody at Masaka Central Prison awaiting trial.