In a troubling turn at Ntare School in Mbarara, six students have been arrested as police investigate a violent strike sparked by allegations of homosexuality.
Mbarara CID Officer Taban Chiriga confirmed the arrests, citing extensive damage to school property and urging urgent dialogue between parents, administration, and students to prevent further unrest.
Reports reveal that an attempt to lynch accused students, followed by physical reprisals from administrators, ignited chaos. Students fled, and the school prematurely ended the term amid mounting tension.
A violent student strike broke out on Sunday morning with students targeting four of their colleagues over suspicions of engaging in homosexual acts.
The school’s headteacher, Saul Rwamporo, confirmed the incident, stating that two of the targeted students managed to escape the mob
However, the angry students then turned on the head prefect, accusing him of hiding the names of other alleged suspects.
During the chaos, one of the students who fled sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. The other two students were rescued by the school administration, according to Rwamporo.
Headteacher Rwamporo stated that the school has been dealing with cases of homosexuality since 2023, noting that the issue seems to be increasing.