Parents and local leaders in Luweero District have strongly condemned the continued use of excessive force by teachers in disciplining students, warning that such practices can result in serious injury or death.
The condemnation follows the death of 16-year-old Senior Four student Nicholas Nakibinge of New Life Secondary School in Kizito Zone, Luweero Town Council.
It is alleged that Nakibinge was beaten by a mathematics teacher, identified as Abraham Mukalazi, over claims that he had grown his hair contrary to school regulations and was not in proper uniform.
According to reports, the student was allegedly punched several times in the chest during disciplinary action, causing him to collapse.
He later died while being rushed to hospital.
The suspect reportedly fled after the incident and remains on the run.
Luweero Town Council Mayor Paul Mukungu condemned the incident, saying teachers must adhere to government guidelines on student discipline.
“We strongly condemn the excessive force some teachers continue to use on learners. Children are different and some have underlying health conditions. Beating them mercilessly can cause serious injuries or even death,” Mukungu said.
He added that schools should adopt lawful and professional methods of discipline in line with Ministry of Education guidelines.
The deceased’s family expressed shock and anger over the circumstances surrounding his death. Nakibinge’s grandmother, Irene Nakato, said schools are meant to protect learners, not endanger them.
“This is heartbreaking. Schools are supposed to protect our children, not expose them to danger. We want justice for our young boy,” she said.
The student’s father, Joseph Sserubogo, said he was informed that his son had collapsed and was being rushed to hospital, only to later learn that he had died.
“They called me and asked me to come immediately because my son had fainted. Before I could even reach him, another student who had accompanied him to the hospital came crying and told me that Nicholas had died,” he said.
Sserubogo also alleged that students had earlier been subjected to corporal punishment over poor academic performance before being punished again for alleged breaches of school rules.
Police in the Savannah Region confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
“We have arrested two suspects to assist with investigations. However, the key suspect, identified as Abraham Mukalazi, is still on the run, and efforts to arrest him are ongoing,” said regional police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima.
Security was tightened at New Life Secondary School as authorities declined to comment on the matter when visited.
The incident has reignited national debate on corporal punishment in schools, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of discipline guidelines and greater accountability for teachers who use excessive force.