Tension erupted at Mahyoro Secondary School in Kitagwenda District after students preparing for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations reportedly turned against their headteacher, Denis Baguma, accusing the school administration of failing to provide adequate revision support. The incident happened on Monday morning, when the candidates allegedly confronted Baguma over concerns about their preparation for the national examinations. What began as a protest over academic support reportedly escalated into violence, leaving the headteacher injured and triggering police intervention.
According to reports, the students were unhappy with what they considered inadequate preparations ahead of the crucial examinations. They reportedly wanted the school to provide additional teachers and stronger revision programmes to help them cover the syllabus and improve their chances of performing well. With the examinations representing an important stage in their education, the candidates allegedly believed the school administration was not doing enough to prepare them for the papers ahead.
The situation reportedly worsened when the students accused the administration of failing to hire extra teachers despite their concerns. Some also questioned how school funds were being used, raising suspicions about whether enough resources had been directed towards academic preparation. However, the allegations about possible misuse of funds had not been independently established, and further investigations would be needed to determine whether there was any financial wrongdoing.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show students kicking and dragging Baguma during the confrontation. The disturbing scenes have drawn attention to the incident, with the headteacher allegedly suffering injuries as the protest turned into a physical assault. While students have a right to raise concerns about their education, the reported violence has raised serious questions about discipline, student safety and the appropriate ways to resolve disagreements within schools.
Police responded to the incident and arrested 21 students in connection with the violence. The arrests came as authorities moved to address the situation and establish what had happened at the school. Further investigations are expected to clarify the circumstances that led to the confrontation and determine the responsibility of those involved. The incident also highlights the difficult task schools face in balancing student grievances with the need to maintain order and protect staff members.
Meanwhile, local leaders reportedly convened an emergency meeting to calm tensions and prevent the situation from escalating further. The intervention is intended to help restore normal operations at the school while addressing the concerns that triggered the protest. The school board has also planned an investigation into the incident, which could examine both the students’ complaints about examination preparation and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
The incident has raised concerns among parents and education stakeholders about the pressure candidates face as they approach major national examinations. UACE results can influence students’ eligibility for university admission and other opportunities, making adequate teaching, revision materials and guidance important. However, concerns about academic support must be addressed through dialogue with school administrators, teachers, parents and education officials rather than through violence that could put lives and educational progress at risk.
As Baguma recovers from his reported injuries, attention now turns to the police investigations and the school board’s planned inquiry. The findings may help establish whether the complaints about revision support were justified and what steps should be taken to prevent similar incidents. For Mahyoro Secondary School, the immediate challenge is to restore calm, address legitimate academic concerns and ensure that candidates can continue preparing for their examinations in a safe and orderly environment.
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