PLE candidate dies in boda boda accident on way to exams

What the report says

A Primary 7 candidate died in a motorcycle accident in Barr Sub-county, Lira District, on Tuesday morning while travelling to sit the Primary Leaving Examinations, according to The Independent Uganda. The pupils, all from Begomery Primary School, were on a boda boda heading to Ober Primary School when the motorcycle reportedly left the road and fell into a trench after being forced aside by another vehicle.

The deceased was identified as Joshua Okwir Kaka. He was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital but later died from his injuries. Two other candidates, Ogwang Joshua Oyugi and Kizito Elwa, were also hurt. Oyugi was reported to have injuries to his head and shoulders and was being treated at a clinic in Barr, while Elwa sustained minor injuries and still returned to school to sit the exam.

Lira District Inspector of Schools Patrick Olwit confirmed the incident and said poor road conditions contributed to the crash, while also describing it as an example of parental negligence. He added that the examinations were otherwise continuing with only minor disruptions. The report also said another candidate at a separate centre collapsed during the exam session because of a heart condition, received first aid and continued writing. More than 90,000 pupils were registered for this year’s PLE across Uganda, with Mathematics as the first paper.