Kitagwenda Police Arrest 20 Students Over Alleged Assault of Headteacher

Police in Kitagwenda District have taken 20 Senior Six students into custody following a violent student strike at Mahyoro Secondary School. The suspects are accused of assaulting their headteacher and robbing him of personal belongings during an escalation of school grievances.

According to Rwenzori West Police spokesperson SP Vincent Twesige, the incident unfolded on Monday morning inside a classroom. The headteacher, 44-year-old Denis Baguma, had responded to an invitation from the Senior Six candidates to discuss pressing school issues.

As grievances were being raised, a student identified as Peter Bizimungu allegedly locked the classroom door. The situation quickly turned violent as the entire class reportedly gang-rushed the headteacher. Although Mr Baguma managed to briefly break free, police reports indicate that the students pursued him outdoors, grabbed him by the necktie, and tied him up with ropes.

During the altercation, the students allegedly stole his wallet containing 150,000 Ugandan Shillings, a national identity card, a driving permit, and a smartphone valued at 930,000 Ugandan Shillings. A teacher who witnessed the unfolding chaos quickly alerted the authorities at Mahyoro Town Council Police Station.

A rapid response team led by AIP Fabiano Kyarituha arrived at the campus to restore order and rescue the headteacher. Mr Baguma was subsequently issued a Police Form 3 for medical examination, while eyewitness statements were recorded. Later, Kitagwenda District Police Commander SP Joshua Akankunda visited the institution alongside Scenes of Crime Officers to address the student body and gather further evidence.

Authorities confirmed that inquiries into the violent protest remain ongoing as investigators piece together the events leading up to the attack.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.