By: Innocent Atuganyira

A 16-year-old South Sudanese refugee has died after a youth centre structure collapsed on her during a heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong winds at Mulokonyi Trading Centre in Cluster K, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Kiryandongo District.

The deceased has been identified as Nyagoal William Kuol Gai, a pupil of Kitwanga Primary School in Kigumba, who had reportedly recently completed her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

According to ASP Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer and Acting Regional Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred on November 7, 2026, at around 7:20 pm as Nyagoal travelled from Bweyale Town to her home in Cluster H on a motorcycle registration number UEX 862X, ridden by Okunya Gilbert.

Mugisa says the two were forced to seek shelter under a youth centre structure at Mulokonyi Trading Centre after heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted their journey.

However, the strong winds caused the structure to collapse, trapping Nyagoal and two motorcycles underneath. She died instantly at the scene, while the motorcycles were also damaged.

The incident was reported to Panyadoli OPM Police Post at 9:32 pm under SD Reference 15/07/11/2026.

Mugisa says police officers visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from relevant witnesses and opened a case file. The deceased’s body was later taken to Kiryandongo Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.

He adds that preliminary findings indicate that Nyagoal was a member of the Nuer community and a refugee from South Sudan. She was reportedly travelling home for her P7 vacation after completing her examinations.

Police have registered the incident as a case of death resulting from a natural disaster, as investigations and other necessary procedures continue.