Police in Mbarara District rescued four Ntare School students on Sunday after a mob of classmates accused them of homosexuality and attempted to attack them. The confrontation began on the school campus when tensions escalated quickly. Two of the accused were protected by teachers, while two others ran from the compound to avoid harm. Unable to calm the situation, the administration called police to restore order.
The police arrival triggered more anger. Some students vandalised buildings and smashed windows. Several accused the school administration of ignoring the issue. One student said leaders must know about the matter if students already do. Another stressed that the school’s link to President Yoweri Museveni, a supporter of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, made the allegations even more troubling.
Headteacher Saul Rwampororo confirmed that suspicions of homosexuality triggered the unrest. He said violence started near midnight when students tried to attack four classmates. Two of the accused escaped to the school gate, where security helped them. The mob also searched for the head prefect, accusing him of complicity, but failed to find him. They then damaged property, forcing the administration to seek police assistance.
Rwampororo said the school has suspended students before over similar issues. He added that investigations are still in progress and the matter needs careful handling. He also stated that homosexuality is a global challenge affecting many schools, not just Ntare.
Rwizi Region police spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed officers responded quickly to stop the destruction of property. He said investigators are still working to establish the exact cause of the unrest. No arrests have been made.
Old Boys Association chairperson Apollo Kashanku expressed concern. He pledged to work with authorities to uncover the truth. He said he had never heard of confirmed homosexuality cases at Ntare before and believed student leaders should manage such issues internally.
This is not the first time Ntare School homosexuality allegations have caused turmoil. In 2015, students locked the gates over similar rumours, though the administration later linked that unrest to theft cases. Ntare also has a record of protests over other matters, including a 2011 football registration dispute, a 2017 clash with students from another school, and a 2023 incident where over 200 Senior Six students were suspended for vandalism and indiscipline.
The situation comes under the shadow of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which criminalises same-sex relations and their promotion. Under Section 2, anyone found guilty of engaging in or facilitating homosexual acts can face life imprisonment. The law has increased pressure on schools to address related allegations promptly.
As investigations continue, the rescued students remain under protection. The administration faces growing pressure to address both the accusations and the violence. The events highlight the tense atmosphere surrounding sexuality debates in Uganda’s schools and the challenges of balancing law enforcement, student safety, and school reputation.
READ: Two Arrested for Aiding LGBTQ+ Escape Under Strict Ugandan Laws
