OBONGI, Uganda – Itula Secondary School has been closed with immediate effect by the Obongi District Security Committee and the school’s Board of Governors following a violent student strike that resulted in significant property damage and injuries.
Students at Itula SS went on a rampage last night, destroying property estimated to be worth millions of shillings. During the violent outburst, windowpanes were shattered, two batteries were stolen, food items were destroyed, and other school property was vandalized.
An emergency security operation was swiftly launched today, leading to the arrest of 32 suspected ringleaders of the strike.
Subsequently, an emergency meeting was convened, where a resolution was passed to immediately close the school for an initial period of two weeks. This closure will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the damages incurred and further investigations into the incident.
The decision to close the school was announced by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, flanked by the Assistant RDC Umuhoza Habiba Furaha, District Police Commander (DPC) Akena Moses, Obongi Town Council Town Clerk Makosa Said Sebbi (who also serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors), the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and his deputy, and the school’s Headteacher and teaching staff. The 32 identified ringleaders were promptly arrested by police following the announcement.
Tragically, one female student was severely beaten during the strike and has been admitted to Palorinya Health Centre III in Palorinya Sub-county for treatment.
RDC Obongi Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka and ARDC Umuhoza Habiba Furaha, accompanied by Itula SS Deputy Headteacher Madam Betty Tawa and police detectives, have since inspected the extensive damages caused by the striking students.
