Lugulu Girls High School administration is currently facing intense scrutiny following the tragic and mysterious death of a Form One student after a brief illness. The incident, which occurred on Thursday of last week, has sparked outrage and confusion among parents and the local community, with many attributing the death to negligence on the part of the school administration
The student’s untimely demise has led to a wave of protests, with concerned parents gathering outside the school gate to demand answers. The demonstration, marked by a significant police presence, prevented the parents from entering the school, further escalating tensions. The parents voiced their concerns about potential health risks due to inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices within the school, which they fear may have contributed to the student’s death.
One of the primary concerns raised by the parents is the overall health and safety standards at Lugulu Girls High School. Many parents fear that the cleanliness of the water, the hygiene of meal preparations, and the general sanitary conditions might be substandard. “Given the gravity of the current situation, it is crucial for the school to ensure the cleanliness of the water students consume, the hygiene of meals preparation, and the overall sanitary conditions. Neglecting these factors could have severe consequences on the students’ health,” stated a concerned Form One parent.
The protestors also demanded a thorough investigation into the girl’s medical history and the school’s response to her illness. They stressed the importance of determining whether her illness was documented in her medical records and whether the school acted promptly and appropriately.
Despite the mounting pressure, Chief Principal Dinah Cheruiyot defended the school’s actions and health standards. “We have not had any food poisoning issues in the school whatsoever, so we cannot apportion blame to the school administration in this matter,” she stated. Cheruiyot further explained that the deceased student was immediately taken to the hospital upon showing signs of illness and that her parents were promptly informed.
Principal Cheruiyot emphasized the institution’s commitment to student health and safety, highlighting that the school employs two community nurses and a nurse aide for staff. “Gastrointestinal issues don’t lead to death unless left unattended over a long period. We have a comprehensive approach to health matters,” she added.
However, despite these assurances, many parents remain unconvinced and continue to call for greater accountability and transparency from the school administration. Some parents, fearing victimization of their daughters, chose to remain anonymous but expressed mixed feelings about the situation. “As a parent, I appreciate the school’s efforts to ensure our children’s safety and health, but the lack of transparency in this case is deeply concerning,” said one parent.
