Kigezi High School expels 49 students over strike

Kigezi High School has expelled 49 male students for instigating a violent strike at the school mid this month.

Students rampaged on October 16th and set ablaze the prefect’s dormitory alias “White House.”

They also burnt the house used by their senior man teacher, James Katureebe.

The students rampaged after the school management expelled four students for their alleged involvement in sexual relations contrary to the school regulations.

They also demanded the transfer of their deputy head teacher in charge of Academics, Edison Bakiga for alleged cruelty.

The students also accused the administration of failing to buy a pickup truck yet they have been contributing Shs 50,000 each term since 2013.

On October 21, the students rejected breakfast and lunch provided the by the school demanding the unconditional release of eleven students who were locked up at Kabale police station for masterminding the violent strike.

This forced the school board of governors to convene a crisis meeting, which resolved to suspend 500 male students to pave way for investigations.

Following investigations, the school administration, has resolved to expel 49 students.

The decision to expel the students was reached in a meeting between the school management and parents.

Stephen Mugume, the head teacher Kigezi High School, said all the eleven students who were arrested for masterminding the strike are among those expelled.

He explained that their investigations show that some students have been using drugs like marijuana.

Rev. Canon Obed Rugyendo, the chairperson board of governors Kigezi High School, said the remaining students who were suspended will report back to school on Tuesday next week with a fine of Shillings 100,000 for the repair of the damaged school property.

Steven Turinawe, a parent at the school faults the administration for tolerating indiscipline instead of enforcing stringent rules to govern students.

Turinawe wondered why the administration allows students to attend classes with mobile phones.

Robert Mbabazi, another parent accuses the administration of failing to stop alcoholism in the school.

He also wonders why the school administration has failed to account for the money contributed by parents for the school pick-up.

Mathias Akeeka, the Principal Education Officer, Kabale municipality, also faulted the school administration for relaxing on impromptu inspections that would help check on indiscipline.

The head teacher, Stephen Mugume, admitted that the school rules and regulations are weak.

He also explained that the school has failed to purchase a school pickup because they are still serving a loan they acquired in 2013.

However, he didn’t disclose the amount of money involved and what it was meant for.