Police in Uganda have arrested a 13-year-old girl who is alleged to have killed her schoolmate at Divine Care Nursery and Primary School.
The incident involved two pupils from the boarding section - Angee Bakita, a 13-year-old South Sudanese national, and her fellow pupil and countrymate, 14-year-old Tracy Nyatrich.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, the altercation that led to the tragic outcome began over a seemingly mundane task. "The facts gathered indicate that the two pupils developed a quarrel while fetching water," Enanga stated.
The argument took a fatal turn when Bakita reportedly grabbed Tracy by the neck and strangled her. "She immediately after, pushed the victim, and she fell hard on the ground and became unconscious," Enanga explained.
The victim was quickly rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in a desperate bid for medical intervention. However, despite the efforts to save her, Tracy Nyatrich was pronounced dead upon arrival. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her immediate family, friends, and schoolmates," Enanga added, reflecting the somber mood that has enveloped the school and wider community.
The body of the deceased was transported to St. Mary's Lacor for a post-mortem examination, while Angee Bakita has been placed in female custody pending further investigation. The police spokesperson described the incident as "exceptionally brutal" and highlighted the urgent need for increased supervision and preventive measures within schools. "We continue to urge School Administrators to have enough school watchers, to purposely prevail over such acts of violence," Enanga emphasized.
The families of both pupils are reportedly devastated by the tragic event, a sentiment shared by the school and the larger community as they come to terms with the loss of a young life and the circumstances surrounding it. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about school safety and the importance of conflict resolution education for students.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn and seek ways to prevent such tragedies in the future, underscoring the importance of vigilance and support systems within educational institutions.