KUMI, Uganda — Authorities in Kumi District have attributed the recent student strike at Kumi Technical Institute to long-standing administrative failures, citing poor communication, negligence, and unresolved student grievances as the root causes of the unrest.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting convened in the aftermath of the incident, James Kyomya, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, said the strike was not an isolated occurrence but the result of issues that had accumulated over time.
“This was not a one-day event. These issues have been boiling for a long time,” Kyomya said. “There is clear negligence from the management. Learners are missing food, paying for services, and not seeing any impact.”
Kyomya pointed to significant governance gaps within the institution, including the failure to hold annual general meetings and irregular engagement with both staff and students.
“There is a serious gap. Teachers’ meetings are not being held, and student concerns are not being addressed,” he added.
He further revealed that investigations are underway, with at least five students identified as suspected ringleaders, and directed law enforcement to take firm action.
“Police must ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated, and all culprits are made responsible for the loss and damages caused,” Kyomya said. “Those involved in the destruction of property must be held accountable and will be required to compensate.”
The Deputy RDC also urged all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism in their roles.
“We must serve with integrity, love, and passion for the work we do. Without acting as patriots of this country, we should expect more destruction,” Kyomya emphasized.
He highlighted government efforts to strengthen vocational education, noting that His excellence the president General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been committed to establishing and improving technical institutes across the country to equip young people with practical skills and address unemployment.
“As stakeholders on the ground, we must play our part to support government efforts, building, not spoiling,” he said. “This strike would not have occurred if management had taken seriously the issues that have piled up over the years and remained unattended.”
The Mayor of Kumi Municipality, Richard Ochom, also weighed in, calling on the school administration to strengthen internal coordination and consultation.
“The administration must embrace coordinative and consultative meetings in the day-to-day running of the institute. You will find that many issues have been happening but are not being taken up,” Ochom said.
However, the institute’s head trainer, Gerald Nsubuga, rejected claims of negligence, describing the accusations as unfair.
“When I hear that I caused this, it is disturbing,” Nsubuga said. “I was at school throughout the day, and after leaving, I received calls about the unrest. I rushed to the police to help restore calm.”
He noted that management had held meetings to address the crisis and expressed optimism that normal learning would soon resume.
“Now that calm has returned, we are preparing to restart studies and encouraging teachers to resume lessons,” he said.
Herald Wejule, the Deputy Town Clerk of Kumi Municipality, condemned the destruction of property but acknowledged that the situation could have been prevented.
“Destruction of property is unacceptable, but the key question is whether this could have been avoided—and the answer is yes,” Wejule said.
He emphasized the importance of consistent communication between students and school management.
“If there is no engagement with students, then the administration is failing. These issues have been there for some time,” he added.
Student leaders also expressed frustration over persistent welfare challenges. Guild Prefect Benjamin Okure said repeated complaints had gone unaddressed.
“Our issues are not handled, and no one listens to us,” Okure said. “We have been struggling with poor sanitation, inadequate food, and poor dormitory conditions for a long time.”
He also raised concerns about a lack of accountability regarding funds collected for services.
“We pay for materials and other services, but we don’t see results. That is what caused frustration among students,” he said.
Meanwhile, the District Police Commander at Kumi Central Police Station, Ndawula Timothy, called for stronger discipline and preventive measures in schools.
“Community policing is key to preventing strikes. Any society that undermines discipline is heading in the wrong direction,” Ndawula said.
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing and directed the Criminal Investigations Department to expedite arrests of those involved.
The strike resulted in significant destruction of property, including computers, windows, and internet infrastructure, leaving the institution facing substantial financial losses.
Authorities have since called for coordinated efforts among school management, students, and government officials to restore order and prevent similar incidents in the future.
