Akii Bua SS students sent home for striking; external forces blamed 

Alebtong | Police in the Alebtong district have decided to send Akii Bua Senior Secondary School students home following an intended strike.

According to police, students at Akii Bua SSS began a strike on June 4, 2024, around 3 a.m. for unknown reasons.

The school administration was able to contain the situation, but it persisted the following day, June 5, 2024. The head teacher reported the incident to Abako Police Station, and DPC Alebtong was notified.

“Immediately, DPC Alebtong arrived with his team and spoke with the students and staff,” North Kyoga PRO, SP Jimmy Okema, stated. “However, students stated that they do not want the headteacher and director of studies.

Later, on June 7, 2024, SP Okema stated that unknown suspects gained access to the kitchen and food store before closing it by blocking the padlocks with super glue.

“Police were notified, so a team led by the OC Station of Alebtong district responded and opened the store and kitchen; food was prepared; however, students refused to eat and attend classes.

“There were many threats written against the headteacher and director of studies which were recovered from the windows.

Statements from the relevant witnesses were recorded.

“Generally, students were violent, since they refused to eat food the whole day and no classes, indicating negative signs of intentions to rebel against the school authority,” SP Okema added.

To avoid larger problems, as the police are mandated to protect lives and property, the force made decisions in consultation with higher authorities and asked students to leave the school compound until called upon.

According to Okema, preliminary findings point to external factors, with the possibility that “some individuals or groups of people are using students to remove the headteacher and DOS from the school.”

SP Okema stated that they are appealing to the District Education Officer, LC5, Board of Governors, Parent Teacher Association, Old Student Association, and anyone else who values the school’s presence to advocate for the best solutions to this issue.

“Students must also accept that they will be the losers in the end,” Okema said.

There have been a few strikes at Lango schools. Muntu Seed Secondary School in Amolatar announced this week that it has suspended 57 students following a devastating strike a few weeks ago.

Students at Amugu Seed Secondary School went on strike this month as well.