A Primary 7 candidate, identified as Joshua Okwir Kaka, died on Tuesday morning after a motorcycle he was riding with two other pupils was involved in a road accident in Barr Sub-county, Lira District. The pupils from Begomery Primary School were traveling to Ober Primary School to sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations. The accident occurred when a vehicle reportedly forced the motorcycle off the road and into a trench.
According to Lira District Inspector of Schools, Patrick Olwit, the crash was caused by the poor condition of the road and parental negligence. Olwit confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the safety of pupils traveling to and from school. The two other candidates, Ogwang Joshua Oyugi and Kizito Elwa, sustained injuries in the accident. Oyugi, who suffered head and shoulder injuries, is receiving treatment at Rapha Medical Clinic in Barr.
Elwa, who sustained minor injuries, returned to school to sit for his examinations. The incident occurred on the first day of the examinations, which started on Tuesday morning. Candidates sat for Mathematics as the first paper. Despite the accident, Olwit reported that the examinations were progressing well, with only minor challenges.
In a separate incident, a candidate at another examination centre, who reportedly has a heart condition, collapsed in the examination room. However, the pupil received first aid and was able to continue writing the examination. The incident highlights the challenges faced by pupils during the examination period.
This year's Primary Leaving Examinations have attracted over 90,000 pupils registered to sit at 16,478 examination centres across the country. The examinations are a critical milestone in the education journey of pupils in Uganda. Authorities have been urged to take measures to ensure the safety of pupils traveling to and from school.
The accident has raised concerns over road safety and the need for improved infrastructure to facilitate safe transportation of pupils. Parents and guardians have been urged to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children. An investigation into the accident has been launched.
The Minister of Education and Sports has sent condolences to the family of the deceased pupil and urged pupils to remain focused and calm during the examination period. The government has also been urged to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The examinations are expected to continue without disruptions.
Key points
- Over 90,000 pupils are sitting for this year's Primary Leaving Examinations in Uganda.
- A pupil died in a boda boda accident on his way to sit for his Primary Leaving Examinations in Lira District.
- The examinations started on Tuesday morning, with candidates sitting Mathematics as the first paper.
