Ntare School was thrown into chaos on Sunday morning after a violent student protest broke out over allegations that some students were engaged in homosexual activity. The unrest resulted in injuries, destruction of school property, and a swift police intervention.
Headteacher Saul Rwamporo confirmed that the violence began when a group of students turned against four of their peers accused of engaging in same-sex relations. Two of the targeted students fled the school compound, while another was injured in the attack.
School administrators intervened promptly to rescue the fleeing students before the situation escalated further. However, tensions surged again when the mob accused the head prefect of allegedly protecting others believed to be involved.
As the situation spiraled out of control, the administration called in the police, who quickly responded, dispersed the crowd, and restored order on campus.
During the unrest, students shattered windows in several parts of the school, including the deputy headteacher’s office and the staffroom, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident.
Headteacher Rwamporo strongly condemned the violence, vowing disciplinary action against those involved and calling for calm and dialogue.
“The safety and well-being of our students is paramount, and such acts of violence undermine the values of education and respect we aim to instill here,” he said.
“We are cooperating with local authorities to ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.”
Homosexuality remains criminalized in Uganda, where LGBTQ+ issues are heavily stigmatized. The protest at Ntare School highlights the ongoing tensions and societal divisions surrounding sexual orientation, which continue to provoke hostility and violence in schools and communities.
