MITOOMA
Tensions at Nyakishojwa Secondary School escalated on Monday night when boys’ dormitories were set ablaze, following a weekend strike sparked by allegations that a teacher had beaten a student into a coma.
The unrest began on Saturday, when students staged a violent protest demanding action against the implicated teacher. The rowdy students broke glass windows, Flat Television Screens in the staffroom, and beat up female students.
On Sunday, police and the school administration convened a crisis meeting, resolving to suspend Senior Four and Senior Six candidates involved in the strike. Some parents have since faulted the administration for poor handling of grievances.
“Only male students of Senior Four and Senior Six were suspended, and the girls remained in school,” said a parent who spoke to Parrots Media on Conditions of anonymity.
“Learners have been raising their issues to the headteacher but he did not address their challenges. Also, suspending only boys showed some level of mismanagement at the school,” a parent added.
Twelve students were arrested and taken to Mitooma police station where they are currently detained.
However, the situation worsened on Monday evening when unknown individuals torched several dormitories, leaving property destroyed and hundreds of students displaced. Fire destroyed students properties in one dormitory, and was contained before spreading to another dormitory. No fatalities were reported.
The student allegedly assaulted is improving, with reports indicating he was rushed to hospital with blood oozing from his body.
Parents and old students have since expressed concern about the safety of their children and the school, urging government intervention to address both student welfare and teacher conduct in schools.
By press time, police fire and rescue team was at the school to extinguish the fire and assess the extent of damage. The remaining students have been reportedly sent back home meanwhile as investigations continue.
