Two educators from Ntungamo District are evading capture as authorities search for them following a viral video on social media, which shows them harshly punishing a student.
In the footage, the teachers are seen collaborating to punish the student in the staff room, administering severe corporal punishment.
A female colleague can be heard urging the others on as the student, Akampa Blair, begs for mercy, but their actions continue unabated. The two teachers have been identified as Mwesigye Aneb, the Director of Studies (DOS) at the institution, and Twesigye Naboth, another teacher.
The school involved is Standard College, Rwashamaire, and the student faced this brutal treatment for allegedly fleeing from school.
The video has sparked a range of reactions across social media and among the public. It’s important to note that corporal punishment in educational settings was banned by the government several years ago. Nonetheless, this practice continues in some schools and has become accepted as a method of discipline.
Anyone who has attended traditional Ugandan schools likely recalls their own experiences with such punishments.
This situation has also prompted a response from the State Minister for Youth, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, who stated, “I’m appalled by the recent incidents of corporal punishment in some schools and the inhumane treatment of Ugandan workers by foreign contractors.
This behavior is unacceptable in modern society. Maama Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education, took decisive action against corporal punishment in schools, as it’s a clear violation of human rights.”
I'm appalled by the recent incidents of corporal punishment in some schools and the inhumane treatment of Ugandan workers by foreign contractors. This behavior is unacceptable in modern society.Hon Maama @JanetMuseveni , the Minister of Education, took a decisive action against… https://t.co/HxAsJJ7245
— Hon Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. (@BalaamAteenyiDr) February 9, 2025
Not all individuals supported the move to apprehend these teachers, arguing that, as the Bible suggests, “Spare the rod, spoil the child”; the same holds true in educational environments. They claim that some students display stubborn and unruly behavior, and if they are not handled strictly, they could pose a risk not only to themselves but also to the wider community.
“This is why I attended 27 different schools during my O-levels; no teacher was allowed to beat me. If anyone tried, I would go to the dormitory, grab my stick, and face them man-to-man. My old boys, old girls, and former teachers on this platform can testify. Why would you torture someone’s son to this extent?” said one social media user.
“So, assuming the boy escaped from school and got killed, or was knocked by a car, or something bad happened to him, do you know what would have happened to the school? The bad publicity, imprisonment, etc.? @PoliceUg, let the teachers do their jobs!
They only caned the matako! Some pupils need such treatment to become responsible citizens,” said another.
