Police are hunting for two teachers captured in a viral video brutally torturing a Senior Two student who allegedly escaped from school at Standard College, Rwashamaire Town Council, Kajara County, Ntungamo District.
The teachers, identified as Director of Studies Anneb Mwesigye and Naboth Twesigye, were recorded on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, harshly punishing Blair Akampa, 16, for allegedly sneaking out of school to town to eat chapati and beans, locally known as kikomando.
Maureen Atuhaire, Commissioner of the Child and Family Protection Department at the Uganda Police Force, confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest the suspects for questioning.
Atuhaire stated that a case of torture has been opened at Ntungamo Central Police Station.
She condemned the incident, emphasizing that corporal punishments are prohibited under Section 106A of the Children Act (Amended), 2016.
“It is unfortunate that some teachers still subject learners to corporal punishment in schools,” she said.
Atuhaire highlighted the dangers of such practices, noting that many students have lost their lives due to corporal punishment and torture in schools.
“We need to condemn such acts in the strongest terms,” she added. “While I do not support escaping from school, there are more constructive methods of disciplining learners than resorting to torture.”
Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, expressed his outrage over the incident, linking it to a broader issue of inhumane treatment in Uganda.
“This behavior is unacceptable in modern society,” he stated. Dr. Barugahara referenced decisive actions taken by Janet Museveni, Minister of Education, against corporal punishment in schools, emphasizing that such acts are a clear violation of human rights.
Dr. Barugahara also commended the swift deportation of a Chinese contractor who was recently caught on video beating a Ugandan casual worker.
“The contractor’s prompt deportation last Friday sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Uganda,” he said.
He called on the Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo, Director of Crime Intelligence, AIGP Christopher Damulira, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to ensure that the teachers involved are held accountable.
“Let’s collectively say no to rights violations and uphold the dignity and respect of all individuals in Uganda,” Dr. Barugahara urged.
