JINJA CITY — The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Mercy Faith Lakisa, on Thursday led police detectives and government officials to Multiple Junior School in Jinja City following allegations of continued corporal punishment at the institution.
The intervention follows growing concerns over the illegal practice, which remains prohibited in Uganda despite reports that some schools continue to use caning as a form of discipline.
During the visit, Dr Lakisa held a closed-door meeting with pupils, who reportedly confirmed that teachers were still administering corporal punishment.
The learners alleged that some pupils had received severe beatings, with some sustaining injuries.
“I have been informed that last month, eight teachers caned Primary Five pupils, with each receiving more than 20 strokes, causing injuries to some learners. I have therefore directed police to arrest the teachers involved, some of whom are reportedly on the run, while others have already been remanded,” Lakisa said.
The minister, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Jinja City authorities and police detectives, said children must be protected from all forms of abuse while at school.
She directed police to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that any teachers found culpable face prosecution.
Dr. Lakisa also urged pupils to report cases of abuse by teachers or school administrators through established channels, including the ministry’s toll-free child helpline, 116.
“Since I assumed office, my ministry has been overwhelmed by cases of learners being beaten by teachers. This situation is unacceptable, and schools must comply with the law that prohibits corporal punishment,” she said.
The minister said one of the affected pupils was reportedly traumatised and unwilling to return to school because of the severity of the punishment allegedly inflicted.
“I was told the injured child is traumatised due to the canes administered and does not even want to report back to school. This is quite unfortunate and must be addressed urgently,” she added.
While condemning the alleged actions of the teachers involved, Dr Lakisa reminded learners of their responsibility to maintain discipline and follow school rules, but stressed that discipline must be enforced through lawful and child-friendly approaches.
Corporal punishment in schools was outlawed in Uganda as part of measures aimed at protecting children’s rights and promoting positive discipline methods.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the management of Multiple Junior School were unsuccessful by press time.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with further action expected after the findings are concluded.
