56 INJURED IN STRIKE AT KIHIHI HIGH SCHOOL,KANUNGU

By Kweronda Ambrose
In Kanungu

A violent strike at Kihihi High School in Kanungu District on Saturday night resulted in injuries to approximately 56 students.

According to Gad Rugaaju Ahimbisibwe, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kanungu, the incident occurred when the power suddenly went off during the night, plunging the school into darkness. Taking advantage of the situation, unidentified individuals vandalized school property, including classroom windows and electrical wiring.

Even the school head teacher, Kenneth Mugimba, fell victim to the chaos as his motor vehicle, a Rav 4 with the registration number UAV 976W, was not spared. Some students who were sleeping awoke to the commotion and began to flee the school. The situation escalated as the police intervened and fired shots, causing further panic among the students, particularly the girls.

Rugaaju revealed that out of the students fleeing in darkness, 56 sustained injuries. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the violent strike had been premeditated by certain students rather than being an attack by rebels, as initially suspected.

The investigations further unveiled a motive behind the strike, pointing to a group of students who were discontented with the school head teacher, Kenneth Mugimba, accusing him of mismanagement. The injured students were promptly rushed to Kihihi Health Center IV for medical treatment.

Rugaaju emphasized that ongoing security investigations aim to determine the exact cause of the strike, while the police have increased their presence to prevent potential future attacks.

On the other hand, Kenneth Mugimba, the school head teacher, asserted that the strike stemmed from a faction of students who expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension of one of their peers, identified only as Praise. The suspension was issued due to Praise being found in possession of a mobile phone, which is strictly prohibited on campus.

Mugimba clarified that any student caught with a mobile phone is subjected to suspension and required to contribute a concrete pole for the school’s fencing or pay 50,000 shillings to cover its cost. Praise, after being suspended, attributed the punishment to political disputes, claiming that he was being targeted for not openly supporting Patience Nkunda Kinshaba, the Member of Parliament for Kanungu District Woman.