By Lawrence Kooko
The Uganda Police Force has raised concern over a spike in student unrest and violence in schools, following recent strikes in Kumi and Kiruhura districts that left property destroyed.
Speaking at the weekly security briefing in Naguru, police spokesperson Kituma Rusoke said the incidents point to indiscipline and weak communication between students and school authorities.
Police say one of the latest incidents happened on April 16 at Kumi Technical School, where students protested over insufficient supper. The situation turned violent, with students breaking into the computer lab and damaging more than 14 computers. Classrooms, windows and the head teacher’s office were also vandalised.
Officers responded and brought the situation under control. A case of malicious damage to property was opened and investigations are ongoing.
On the same day, students of Mburo Secondary School in Kanyarieru, Kiruhura District, also went on strike. They destroyed property, including CCTV cameras and window panes, before fleeing into nearby trading centres.
Authorities say calm has since been restored, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved.
In Mbale City, police arrested six students of Nkoma Secondary School over the alleged robbery and assault of a Senior Four student from Mbale Progressive Secondary School.
Elgon Region police spokesperson Rogers Taitika identified the suspects as Abudu Kadiru, John Mwesigwa, James Nabigwa Opolot, Patrick Weboya, Edrine Magomu and Brian Wadonyi.
Police say the group attacked the victim, Siraj Buyinza, while armed with a knife. The incident happened at Nabuyonga Rise as both the suspects and the victim were returning home from school. The attackers reportedly took a smartphone and 470,000 shillings.
A video recorded by a passerby and later shared on social media helped police identify and arrest the suspects. Investigations are ongoing.
Rusoke condemned the violence and urged students to use lawful channels to raise concerns.
He also called on school administrators to engage students early and address issues before they escalate. Parents were urged to take a more active role in guiding learners.
