Ntungamo's Kemishego Candidates Sit UCE Exams Weeks After Dormitory Fire

What the report says

All 100 Senior Four candidates at Kemishego Secondary School in Nyamunuka Town Council, Ntungamo District, have started their Uganda Certificate of Education exams after a dormitory fire damaged their belongings weeks earlier, according to Nile Post. The fire, reported to have broken out on September 25, destroyed uniforms, books, bedding and other property belonging to 54 boys in the school’s boys’ dormitory.

The school said it worked with parents, well-wishers and local supporters to help the affected learners recover in time for the exams. The Ntungamo Development Women Council donated replacement uniforms, the Red Cross provided assistance, and fellow students shared books and other learning materials. Headteacher Behakanira Abudur Shakur said the school quickly engaged parents after the incident so the candidates could continue with their examinations.

Nile Post reported that all registered candidates were allowed to sit the tests, which began with Mathematics. One of the affected students, Shahadu Musoke, said the support from the school community helped them carry on despite losing most of their personal items.

The episode highlights how schools sometimes rely on emergency community support when disasters strike close to national examinations. It also comes as renovation work continues at the school to repair damage from the fire and restore normal learning conditions.