Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remember the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of Yvonne Namaganda, a 10-year-old Ugandan girl who tragically lost her life in a dormitory fire at Budo Junior School. Yvonne’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination that defines women and girls everywhere.
On the wall of Great Africans, there is a little Ugandan girl Yvonne Namaganda, (1997-April 14, 2008) a schoolgirl, who died in a dormitory fire after running back into the burning building several times to save her colleagues from the inferno at Budo Junior School, Wakiso District 15kms southwest of the capital Kampala.
Yvonne Namaganda was born to Paul and Rebecca Ssewanyana in Kanoni Gomba district. She started school at Aidah and Topher Kindergarten. At Buddo Junior she was also assistant class captain and a coordinator of the prefects.
Yvonne Namaganda died during the Buddo Junior School fire on April 14, 2008, as she tried to rescue her colleagues from an inferno that eventually killed 19 school children.
On a fateful night, a fire broke out at Budo Junior School’s Nassolo dormitory. She forced the dormitory door open but instead of running for her life, she repeatedly went back inside to save more lives, until the flames and falling burning material overcame her.
On June 9, 2017, Namaganda was named a National Hero and the Uganda Parliament celebrated her heroism and recognized her as a national heroine.
In addition, the regional Buganda (Kingdom) Lukiiko (Parliament), honored her with the “Mafumu ne Ngabo” or (Spears & Shield).
Namaganda was just 10 years old.
It’s been 16 years since Ugandans woke up to the sad news that 19 children and an adult had died in an overnight fire in a primary school dormitory outside the capital of Kampala.
At the scene in the morning of the fire were bodies and personal items of the children scattered and lying strewn in the grass while parents rushed in to search for their missing children.
“Can’t forget ur angel acts whenever we were singing holy in bukalagi..all the memories we had..ur one in a million and your deeds will be told to a million..continue to RIP my angel Yvone” said Immy Wudz Kayonga one of the sympathizers
“I have always heard about the Ugandans and how kind-hearted they are, I will one day visit Uganda, a small country with kind people. Rest on little girl, it is well with your soul.” Said Kingsley Ezeude from Nigeria.
A tribute by Paperback on Amazon book stall described the heroic acts to No Greater Love: The Story of Yvonne Namaganda; The 10-Year-Old Dorm Captain Who Died in a Fire Saving Others.
On the night of April 14th, 2008, 20 school girls were burnt to death when their dormitory caught fire. The incident happened at Budo Junior School, in Wakiso district in Uganda.
The bodies of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. The death toll would have been much higher had it not been for the brave act of the 10-year-old Dorm Captain, Yvonne Namaganda who kept going back and forth rescuing other girls and carrying them to safety.
When Yvonne Namaganda’s mom was told that there had been a fire at the Nassolo dormitory, she started crying right away; she knew her baby was among the dead.
“Namaganda would never let any harm occur to any child. When I heard about that fire, I knew she was gone. My daughter would never let anyone get hurt. She would be long dead before that could happen,” said Joanita Nakityo her mum.
In Parliament, the Government of Uganda declared Yvonne Namaganda a national hero for her act.
Namaganda was also awarded the Heroine of the Year Young Achievers Award in 2009 for her bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
“When Namaganda woke up, she started waking up our friends but I called her to get out because the fire was increasing,” said Susan Atieno, a P5 student who survived the tragedy.
“She brought out other students in turns. But the last time she went back, she did not return.” “Run and call Jjajja Damalie,” she instructed them.
Then she began to get the rest to safety. “I have to help the others,” she told those who tried to stop her from going back. To add to the national heartbreak were the widespread reports that the fire was a result of arson. “Preliminary investigations indicate that it was a homicide,” Kale Kayihura, the ten Uganda Police Inspector General, told reporters at the school.
A Heroic Act
On that fateful night, Yvonne risked her own life to rescue six of her classmates from the burning dormitory. Her bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger are an inspiration to us all. Despite the overwhelming odds, Yvonne refused to give up, and her selfless act has left an indelible mark on our collective memory.
Empowering Women and Girls
As we honor Yvonne’s memory, we are reminded of the importance of empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. We recognize the progress made in advancing women’s rights, but we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges and barriers that many women and girls continue to face.
International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Yvonne’s courage and determination, and we recommit ourselves to working towards a world where all women and girls have equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment. We honor her memory by continuing to push for a more just and equitable world, where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on Yvonne’s story, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality and empowerment for women and girls. We must continue to challenge the status quo, push for policy changes, and support initiatives that promote women’s rights and empowerment.
Remembering Yvonne
Yvonne’s bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on, inspiring us to work towards a world where women and girls are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor Yvonne’s memory and recommit ourselves to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
