7 Shema Students Arrested Over School Violence

Police have detained at least seven Nganwa High School Kabwohe students following a violent altercation at school.

The suspects, who are between the ages of 18 and 19, were apprehended by police on Wednesday. They are Senior Four candidates who will begin taking their national examinations on Friday, October 14, 2023.

According to police reports, the two other victims (S.4 and S.5 children whose names were withheld) suffered critical injuries.

SSP Martial Tumusiime, the spokeswoman for the Greater Bushenyi Police, verified the event and stated that two students were hurt during the altercation on Monday, October 9.

Uganda observed a public holiday on Monday in observance of the 61st anniversary of its independence. According to reports, a brawl between students erupted during what is known as a “farewell party” on Independence Day at around 10 p.m.

The yearly clash, according to school sources, is part of the “school culture where every S.4 student must be beaten” by other students at the conclusion of the academic year. By the time this article went to print, police and the school administration were looking into rumors that S.4 students who couldn’t wait to get beat up went outside the school grounds, drank alcohol, and then retaliated by attacking those who had been waiting to beat them up as required by the “culture”.

After receiving information, Sheema DPC ASP Kasule Consilata sent a team of police to the school to calm things down. Fresh violence broke out early on October 10 causing authorities to send out more officers.

Nganwa High School’s headmaster, Rev. Hannington Tumwesigye, disclosed that the chosen group had been recognized as the ringleaders. For immediate medical attention, the victims were taken to Ishaka’s Kampala International Teaching Hospital.