Uganda school suspends 900 students fighting over girl

By Tom Mugisha, tom.mugisha@alleastafrica.com

KAMPALA – At least 900 students of Kabale Secondary school in the western town of Kabale have been suspended following a violent strike at the school.

The confusion at the school started on Friday afternoon when rival student groups fought over a female friend.

A senior six student had reportedly made advances towards a girl who was reportedly already in a relationship with a senior four student.

The incident resonates with concerns by many Non Government Organisations of many teenagers in Ugandans starting early sexual encounters that result into teenage pregnancies.

The move was followed by bickering and fist fights between the rival camps.

The students went on rampage and destroyed property belonging to the school neighbour identified as Mr Rodgers Habomugisha.

Riot police officers used tear gas and live bullets to disperse the rowdy students.

The Deputy Internal Security Officer for Kabale District , Mr Kenneth Birungi says a security team held a meeting with the school administration and decided to send away the students to avoid more chaos.

He said that the school board would decide the fate of the suspended students.

Kabale secondary school head teacher, Mr Edwin Babimpa said the administration will consult relevant authorities before taking the next step.

Police are still deployed at the mixed school.

The suspension of students comes just days after 49 students from a neighbouring Kigezi High School were expelled after a violent strike.

The students one of the dormitories ablaze on October 16 and also burnt the house of Mr James Katureebe, the senior teacher.

The rampage was sparked by the expulsion of four students by the school management. The expelled students were accused of engaging in sexual relations contrary to school regulations.

The rowdy students also demanded the transfer of their Deputy Head Teacher in Charge of Academics, Mr Edison Bakiga who they accuse of cruelty.