By Ambrose Kweronda
in Maziba Kabale—-
www.mknewslink.com
Angry parents, guardians, and well-wishers of Maziba Mixed Primary School in Iziniro Village, Birambo Parish, Maziba Sub-County, Ndorwa East, Kabale District, yesterday destroyed a teacher’s property after accusing him of possessing pupils with demons.
The teacher, identified as Monday Expedito, reportedly lost four houses including his residential home, as well as livestock such as goats, sheep, and pigs. The angry crowd—comprising parents, guardians, and concerned community members—claimed that Expedito had allegedly sacrificed some pupils, several of whom have been experiencing erratic behavior since last month.
Tensions escalated when a delegation from the Kabale District, led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma and District Education Officer (DEO) Moses Bwengye Tumwijukye, convened a meeting with parents at the school premises to defuse the growing unrest.
However, during the meeting, nine pupils reportedly exhibited unusual behavior. According to eyewitness accounts, some began barking like dogs, crawling on their stomachs like snakes, and shouting loudly. The pupils allegedly mentioned Expedito’s name, claiming he had “sacrificed” them.
This enraged parents further, prompting a violent mob to march to Expedito’s home. They set fire to four houses, destroyed his plantation, and killed several of his animals. www.mknewslink.com reporter witnessed the entire incident.
In his address to the community, RDC Nyakahuma announced that the accused teacher would be transferred and instructed to report to Kabale Police Station for preventive detention. He condemned the destruction of property and promised that all individuals involved in the attack would be investigated and brought to justice.
Nyakahuma urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Kabale OC Station Andrew Aryanyijuka condemned the mob action and warned that perpetrators would be brought to book. “What happened is criminal. Mob justice is not acceptable under the law. Those behind the destruction will be arrested,” he said
Bwengye, instructed parents to return their children to school starting Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
DEO Bwengye instructed the Head Teacher of Maziba Mixed Primary School to ensure normal school activities resume, with church leaders continuing to pray for the school. He also ordered Doreen Nayebare, another teacher accused of conspiring with Expedito, to stop reporting to school pending further investigations
He cautioned journalists against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that the school had never been closed, despite facing challenges.
Maziba Sub-County Chairperson, Onesmus Mutungi, advised security agencies to ensure Expedito leaves the area temporarily for his own safety until the situation stabilizes.
School Head Teacher, Mr. Tofiri Ngabirano, said his attempts to manage the situation and engage Expedito were unsuccessful, as the teacher denied all accusations. Ngabirano recounted that the issue began during the first term when a school party was held to celebrate good performance. During the event, a pupil who helped slaughter a chicken began behaving like one, and others mimicked a goat that had also been slaughtered.
The Diocesan Education Secretary, Byamukama Remegio, assured the community that the Church is mobilizing prayer teams to intercede for the school, adding that “everything has an end.”
Rev. Fr. Ignatius Mbabazi of St. Kizito Maziba Catholic Parish urged parents to remain calm and united in faith. “With Jesus, we shall overcome. What is happening is deeply painful, but let us remain in prayer and stand with our school,” he said.
At the time of filing this report, Expedito and his wife were reportedly in hiding. Community members suspected of vandalizing the teacher’s property were also on the run.
The school has an enrollment of 586 learners.