A violent protest erupted at Ntare School on Sunday morning after students accused some of their peers of engaging in homosexual activities, leading to injury, property damage, and a police intervention.
Headteacher Saul Rwamporo confirmed that the chaos began when a group of students turned on four of their schoolmates over the allegations.
Two of the accused fled the school compound, while another sustained injuries during the attack.
School administrators rescued the fleeing students before the situation escalated further.
Tensions rose when the mob accused the head prefect of concealing the identities of other students allegedly involved.
The unrest intensified, prompting the administration to call police, who quickly dispersed the crowd and secured the campus.
The rioting students shattered several windows, including those in the deputy headteacher’s office and the staffroom, leaving a trail of destruction across the school. Authorities have launched an investigation.
Rwamporo condemned the violence, pledging disciplinary action against those responsible and calling for constructive dialogue within the school community.
“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 is criminalized in Uganda, and LGBTQ+ issues remain highly stigmatized.
The Ntare School protest underscores the deep social divisions on the matter, which often spill over into hostility and violence.