Another Ugandan dormitory burns to the ground

By all appearances, there seems to be an arson epidemic sweeping Uganda's schools. Yesterday, another dormitory in the north of the country burnt to the ground, bringing the total number of school fires in the past three months to 29.

The mid-morning fire, which raged for about four hours, burned down a dormitory housing 80 students at Migadde College in Wakiso district. Nobody was hurt.

The school's principal does not rule out foul play. "We can't rule out arson. I strongly suspect arson as the cause," said Joseph Kisubika.

Many of the fires have been in the greater Kampala area. Arson is suspected for the majority of incidents, yet there have been virtually no arrests. With this case in the north, it seems disaffected students elsewhere are begining to copy this disturbing trend that shows no signs of abating.