BREAKING: SMACK Headteacher Under Fire After Student Drowns in School Swimming Pool
ENTEBBE, Oct. 24, 2025 — St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) is in shock after a Senior Three student, Peter Kirwana, drowned during a swimming lesson on Friday afternoon. The incident has sparked outrage among parents, alumni, and the wider school community.
The drowning occurred at around 5:40 PM at the school pool while the lesson was supervised by the school swimming coach, Mr. Rogers Mukasa, 46. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, Kirwana was pulled from the pool by the coach and fellow students but was already struggling to breathe. He was rushed to Kisubi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have opened a death enquiry file at Kisubi Police Station, and the coach has been arrested and charged with negligence and reckless conduct. The student’s body was taken to Mulago Hospital for postmortem examination as investigations continue.
The school headteacher, Bro. Simon Mpanga, issued a statement on Saturday, expressing condolences and announcing the burial, which took place on Sunday, October 26, in Narozali, Masaka District. However, many parents and alumni criticized the statement, calling it insufficient and lacking details on how the tragedy occurred.
“With profound sadness, we announce the untimely death of our beloved student, Kirwana Peter, S.3… Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family,” Bro. Mpanga said.
The lack of transparency has fueled anger among the school community, with calls for a full investigation into the safety protocols at the school’s swimming facilities. Some parents and Old Boys expressed concern over the oversight and supervision during swimming lessons, demanding accountability from school authorities.
The tragic death has reignited debates on student safety in schools, supervision standards, and the responsibility of school authorities, with the community demanding answers from both the school and the police.
