The Headteacher of Mahyoro Secondary School in Kitagwenda District, Denis Baguma, was assaulted on Monday after Senior Six candidates staged a protest over alleged inadequate support in preparing for the forthcoming Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations.
Police officers from Kitagwenda Central Police Station and Mahyoro Police Post were deployed to the school in Mahyoro Town Council to restore order and secure the premises.
The candidates reportedly accused the school administration of failing to provide additional teachers or facilitators to support their examination preparations.
They also raised concerns about inadequate facilities and what they described as poor management.
Preliminary reports indicate that the candidates blamed Baguma for failing to secure additional facilitators to help them prepare for the national examinations.
The headteacher was injured during the incident, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault had not been fully established by the time of publication.
Police subsequently secured the school as local leaders and administrators engaged the candidates in efforts to address their grievances and restore calm.
An emergency meeting chaired by Mahyoro Town Council LCIII Chairperson Joshua Atumanya was held to de-escalate the situation and discuss a way forward.
School Board of Governors Chairperson Dr Eric Nzibonera told Nile Post that the board would convene to establish the causes of the unrest and identify lasting solutions.
“The board will sit to discuss the matter and find a lasting solution,” Nzibonera said.
The school administration is expected to engage relevant stakeholders to address the candidates’ concerns while ensuring that teaching and preparations for the UACE examinations continue without further disruption.