By Our Reporter
Soroti, Uganda –A Soroti court has remanded seven individuals, including a police officer, school staff, and two pupils, in connection with the murder of Apio Joan Faith, a 5-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
The suspects appeared before Soroti Grade One Magistrate, His Worship Kibirige Apollo Kasujja, on murder charges under Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act. They were remanded to various prisons across the Teso sub-region until their next court appearance on March 6, 2025.
The individuals remanded include: Suzan Vivian Ariokot Okedi wife of the school director,Joseph Kedi school director, James Odoket,headteacher,John Bosco Obotol police officer and brother to Joseph Okedi,Valentine Opio the school cook and two juveniles whose identities were withheld.
Apio Joan Faith was found dead on February 5, 2025, inside a staff latrine at the school. Her throat had been slit, just two days after she and her twin sister enrolled in the school’s boarding section.
The child’s disappearance was first noticed by school matron Osula Adong.
Police launched investigations, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the closure of the school.
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, Damalie Nachuha, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway. Authorities also discovered that Jozan Nursery and Primary School had been illegally operating a boarding section since 2019, despite being licensed only as a mixed-day school.
Following the tragic incident, Apio was laid to rest on February 17, 2025, in Ateuso, Kapelebyong District.
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over child safety in schools. Education and law enforcement officials are now facing calls to strengthen regulations and oversight of private schools to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
