Senior Four Student Dies After Alleged Assault by Teacher in Luwero

A Senior Four student of New Life Secondary School in Luwero Town Council has died after allegedly being severely beaten by a teacher, while another student remains admitted to the hospital following the same incident. The deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Nicholas Nakibinge, while the identity of the hospitalized student has not yet been established.

According to preliminary reports, Nakibinge sustained serious injuries during the alleged assault and later died while being rushed to Luwero Hospital for medical attention. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening at around 5 pm within the school premises.

The main suspect has been identified as Abraham Mukalazi, a Physics teacher at the school, who is currently on the run. Police have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima confirmed the incident, saying two teachers have been arrested to assist with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend the main suspect.

Police have directed that the deceased’s body be transferred to the mortuary at Mulago Hospital for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death. Police have pledged to provide further updates as investigations continue. Joseph Amerigo Sserubogo, the victim’s father, said he was devastated by the loss of his child and called on police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

“Why should my child be beaten to the point of death? This is unacceptable. I had just borrowed money to clear registration and school fees only today to get the information that he has been killed,” Amerigo said on Tuesday night at Luwero Hospital. The incident has reignited concerns over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools despite its prohibition under Ugandan law.

Article 106(a) of the Children Act, as amended in 2016, prohibits corporal punishment in educational institutions, stating that any person in authority within a learning institution shall not subject a child to any form of corporal punishment. Education and child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of the law and accountability for school officials who engage in violent disciplinary practices.