By Swift Reporter
A 16-year-old Senior Four student at New Life Secondary School in Luwero Town Council has died after allegedly being assaulted by a teacher, while another student injured in the same incident remains hospitalized.
The deceased has been identified as Nicholas Nakibenge. Police have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death and are searching for the teacher accused of carrying out the assault.
According to preliminary findings, the incident occurred at around 5:00 pm on Tuesday within the school premises. Nakibenge reportedly sustained severe injuries during the punishment and later died while being rushed for medical treatment.
Police have identified the prime suspect as Abraham Mukalazi, a Physics teacher at the school. Detectives say he fled shortly after the incident and remains on the run.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima confirmed the incident, stating that several suspects have already been arrested to assist with investigations.
Among those in custody are school warden Kenny Mubiru and teacher Magret Akiisa, who were reportedly present when the incident occurred. Police are continuing efforts to locate Mukalazi and establish his role in the student’s death.
Investigators say Nakibenge had recently returned to school after a period of illness and was still recovering at the time of the incident.
His father, Joseph Amerigo Sserubogo, said the family became suspicious after noticing blood stains on the teenager’s school uniform.
According to police, students had allegedly been subjected to corporal punishment on two consecutive days. On Monday, learners were reportedly punished after performing poorly in a Physics examination. The following day, the same group was allegedly punished again over what was described as overgrown hair.
During the Tuesday punishment, Mukalazi is accused of striking Nakibenge on the chest. Witness accounts indicate that the student collapsed shortly afterward, began experiencing breathing difficulties and eventually lost consciousness.
School administrators reportedly attempted to save him by transporting him on a motorcycle to a nearby Health Centre IV. However, he died before reaching the facility.
The second student allegedly beaten during the same incident is currently receiving treatment. Authorities have not yet released the student’s identity.
One of the school directors, Paul Mukungu, condemned the alleged assault, describing Nakibenge as a vulnerable learner who had only recently resumed classes after battling health challenges.
Mukungu said the teacher failed to take into account the student’s condition and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Police have since transferred Nakibenge’s body to the Mulago Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Twiineamazima said detectives are interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence to determine exactly what transpired before the student’s death.
The incident has renewed concerns over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools despite its prohibition under Uganda’s education regulations.
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