Cyprian Musoke and Joyce Namutebi
8 May 2008
Kampala — PARLIAMENT has passed a motion to declare the late Yvonne Namaganda of Budo Junior School a national heroine.
The 10-year-old girl died while trying to rescue her colleagues from an inferno that gutted Nassolo dormitory on April 14, killing 19 other girls.
The motion, moved by Wakiso Woman MP Rosemary Sseninde and seconded by National Youth MP Mariam Nalubega, described Namaganda as brave and selfless.
"She was courageous and selfless. May we emulate her behaviour. I direct the Ministry of Education to bring the matter before Cabinet so that we deliberate and formalise it," said Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi.
"The late Namaganda Yvonne, who lost her life while rescuing other pupils, be included on the list of Ugandan heroines for her acts of bravery and extraordinary character that she exhibited as a leader of Nassolo dormitory," the motion read.
"Namaganda died as she repeatedly entered the fateful dormitory to save innocent lives."
She was the third-born to Paul and Namusisi Ssewanyana.
The motion called upon the Government to come up with a national fire safety management policy and to revise and implement other policies under the education ministry that caters for the safety of pupils and students.
Sseninde said according to testimonies, Namaganda, who was the head of the dormitory, forced the door open but instead of running for her life, she rescued others.
The Police are still investigating the cause of the fire. Matron Damalie Basirika and three guards were charged with negligence of duty two weeks ago.
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