Tears and disbelief have engulfed St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) after a Senior Three student, Peter Kirwana, drowned in the school’s swimming pool on Friday evening, cutting short a young life full of promise.

The 16-year-old student was participating in an afternoon swimming session when tragedy struck. Witnesses say Peter appeared cheerful as he joined his classmates for practice, unaware it would be his last day alive.

Moments later, panic swept through the pool area when fellow students noticed him struggling to stay afloat. The swimming coach reportedly dived in to rescue him, but by the time he was pulled out, Peter was already gasping for air.

“He was immediately rushed to Kisubi Hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival,” confirmed ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident and detained the swimming coach to assist with inquiries. Kirwana’s body was later taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Back at SMACK, grief filled the air. Students gathered in small groups, consoling one another, while others quietly prayed at the school chapel. “Peter was one of the most humble and lively boys we had. He loved sports and worked hard in class,” said one of his teachers, struggling to hold back tears.

Parents and Old Boys of the school have since demanded stronger safety measures to protect students during sports activities.

In the quiet halls of SMACK, Peter’s empty desk now stands as a painful reminder of a life lost too soon — a boy who came to school to learn, to laugh, and to dream, but never got the chance to grow up.