By Aggrey Twesigye and Ambrose Kweronda
In Ntungamo—-
www.mknewslink.com
Authorities from the Education and Security departments in Ntungamo District on Wednesday 16th/4/2024 ordered the immediate closure of Muntuyera High School Kitunga after students staged a protest demanding the dismissal of a deputy headteacher accused of harassment.
The decision to shut down the school was jointly made by the Acting District Education Officer (DEO), Peace Atamba, and the District Police Commander (DPC) during a stakeholders’ meeting convened at the school. Students were subsequently sent home and will remain away until the end of the Easter holiday.
Reports indicate that the unrest began on Monday when students penned a letter detailing their grievances against Deputy Headteacher Isaac Bagatuzayo, which they anonymously placed in the school’s dining hall. One student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told www.mknewslink.com that the letter called for immediate disciplinary action against Bagatuzayo, accusing him of harassment and extortion.
According to the student, the school administration failed to address the concerns raised in the letter. Instead, some teachers were reportedly seen photographing the letter and circulating it in school WhatsApp groups.
Further allegations claim that Bagatuzayo routinely suspended students or summoned their parents, demanding payments reportedly as high as UGX 100,000, particularly in cases where students missed meals.
Tensions reportedly reached a boiling point on Monday night after evening classes, culminating in the destruction of school property and damage to Bagatuzayo’s vehicle.
DEO Peace Atamba confirmed that students from Senior One through Senior Six participated in the strike. She noted that school authorities opted to close the institution as a precautionary measure while investigations into the matter continue.
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