A teacher at Zion Secondary School Kirinda in Kiboga District is on the run after allegedly assaulting a student with a hoe handle, leaving him injured and prompting a police manhunt.
According to Police, the incident happened on July 14, 2026, at about 8:30am and involved Arafat Ndiwalana, 17, a Senior Two student and resident of Kyato Village, Kasega Parish, Kapeke Sub-county in Kiboga District.
Police said Ndiwalana had reportedly left his classroom without tucking in his uniform shirt and proceeded to the school gate, where he sought permission from teacher Ken Sserwadda to leave school and get pocket money.
The teacher allegedly instructed him to first tuck in his shirt, a directive the student complied with, before ordering him to return to class.
However, upon returning to class, the student reportedly untucked his shirt again, an action that allegedly angered the teacher.
Preliminary police findings indicate that Sserwadda picked up a hoe handle and followed the student into the classroom, where he allegedly struck him on the back and neck.
The assault reportedly left the student unconscious and caused an injury to his right eye.
Students who witnessed the incident raised an alarm, attracting other members of staff who intervened and rescued the student.
The injured learner was given first aid to control the bleeding before being rushed to a nearby clinic for further medical attention. Police said he is currently in stable condition.
After regaining consciousness, Ndiwalana reported the matter to police, where statements from him and witnesses were recorded.
The suspect reportedly fled the school shortly after the incident, prompting police to launch a search for him.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lamech Kigozi condemned the incident and urged teachers to exercise restraint when handling disciplinary matters involving learners.
“We appeal to teachers to always try to control their temper when dealing with students, some of whom may be stubborn and deliberately engage in conduct intended to provoke reactions from their teachers,” Kigozi said.
He added that teachers must follow professional standards when disciplining learners.
“Teachers should at all times act professionally when administering punishment to students and ensure that disciplinary measures are in line with established regulations and standards,” he said.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing as efforts continue to trace and arrest the suspect.
