KAMPALA, Uganda — A second-year student at Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (CEES) died from carbon monoxide poisoning, the university’s Students’ Guild confirmed in an official update.
The victim, Ms. Amongin Francisca (student registration number 24/U/22669), was pursuing a Bachelor of Science with Education, majoring in Mathematics and Economics. She was found lifeless in her off-campus room near the Full Gospel Church in the morning hours of Saturday, May 9, 2026. Her body was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination.
In a detailed postmortem update signed by Owen Nasasira, Minister for Students’ Affairs. The report confirms accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
“The report indicates that Ms. Amongin died of suffocation caused by oxygen deprivation and inhalation of harmful gases, specifically carbon monoxide poisoning,” the letter states. “The incident is believed to have resulted from leaving the stove on, in a poorly ventilated room with her door and windows closed.”
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as charcoal, commonly used in portable stoves (sigiri) across Uganda. In poorly ventilated spaces, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen transport and leading to rapid unconsciousness and death, often without warning. Health experts note that such tragedies are recurring in student hostels and low-income housing where charcoal stoves are used for cooking or warmth, especially during cooler nights.
Burial arrangements are underway. “Ms. Amongin will be laid to rest tomorrow on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in Aninolal Village, Inomo Sub-county, Kwania District, her ancestral home,” the letter added. She hailed from Ibuje in Apac District.
University authorities and police have not indicated any suspicion of foul play, describing the death as a tragic accident. The incident has sparked renewed calls among students and safety advocates for greater awareness about the dangers of using charcoal stoves indoors without proper ventilation.
