A 21-year-old Senior Four student has been killed in a mob attack by fellow students at Abongomola Seed Secondary School in Kwania District, raising fresh concerns about violence in schools.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at the school premises in Ogwok A Village, Abongomola Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Lukori Solomon, a boarding student who was allegedly accused by fellow students of stealing personal belongings from the boys’ dormitory.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased was accused by fellow students of stealing their property,” Okema said.
According to police, the situation escalated when a group of students overpowered school watchmen and chased Solomon for approximately 400 metres towards Ogwok Trading Centre.
He was later captured and assaulted.
“The group attacked him using sticks and bricks, inflicting severe injuries,” Okema said, adding that the attackers later returned the injured student to the school staff room, where he died.
The incident was reported to police at about 2:34 a.m. by the school’s deputy headteacher, Adupa Stephen.
Police said a case of murder has been registered at Abongomola Sub-county Police Station and later transferred to Kwania Central Police Station for further investigation.
A team of homicide detectives, led by the District OC CID, visited the scene, documented evidence, and recovered exhibits believed to have been used in the assault, including sticks and bricks.
The body was taken to Aduku Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Police have arrested two student leaders, identified as Douglas Egaru and Ivan Okello James, to assist with investigations.
Okema condemned the act and warned against mob justice, describing it as unlawful and dangerous.
“The public is strongly cautioned against engaging in mob actions, as it undermines the rule of law,” he said.
He urged the public and school communities to follow legal procedures when handling suspects, noting that while citizens may apprehend individuals, they must hand them over to authorities.