A violent protest broke out at Ntare School on Sunday morning after some students accused others of being involved in homosexual activities. The incident led to injuries, property damage, and police intervention.
Headteacher Saul Rwamporo said the trouble started when a group of students attacked four of their classmates over the accusations. Two of the accused ran out of the school compound, while another was injured in the chaos.
School staff managed to rescue the fleeing students before the situation got worse.
Tensions increased when the crowd accused the head prefect of hiding the names of other students they believed were also involved. The unrest grew, and the school called the police. Officers arrived quickly, dispersed the crowd, and secured the school.
During the riot, students broke several windows, including those in the deputy headteacher’s office and the staffroom, leaving damage across the school. Authorities have now started an investigation.
Rwamporo strongly condemned the violence, promising disciplinary action against those involved. He also urged the school community to solve disagreements through respectful discussions.
“The safety and well-being of our students comes first, and such violence goes against the values we teach here,” he said. “We are working with local authorities to make sure those responsible face the consequences.”
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and LGBTQ+ issues are heavily stigmatized. The protest at Ntare School highlights the deep divisions in society on this topic, which can lead to hostility and violence.