Written By | BK Mugizi
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson
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KISORO
Police in Kisoro District have arrested 28 students of Kisoro Saviour Secondary School following a violent strike that left property worth millions of shillings destroyed and cash stolen. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at around 1:00 a.m., according to police.
Dormitory incident sparks unrest
Police said the chaos stemmed from a disciplinary incident on Monday night at about 10:00 p.m., when the teacher on duty reportedly found several students hiding in the dormitory during prep time.
The students were taken to the staffroom for punishment, which allegedly angered them and led to shouting that attracted other learners.
In an attempt to contain the situation, teachers locked the students inside the staffroom before stepping out to calm the rest. However, the situation escalated when other students began throwing stones at the teachers, forcing them to flee for their safety.
Rampage and theft
With no immediate supervision, the students allegedly went on a rampage, vandalising school property and breaking into key facilities.
Police said the students broke into the bursar’s office and the school canteen, where they stole cash and other items. “Shs1.8 million was stolen from the canteen, while Shs3.7 million was taken from the bursar’s office,” police said.
Food and drinks worth about Shs500,000, as well as school uniforms, were also reportedly stolen.
The students further destroyed school infrastructure, including windows, door panels, desks, tables, and benches.
Neighbouring property targeted
The violence reportedly extended to neighbouring gardens, where banana plantations were slashed and sugarcane worth approximately Shs1.5 million was destroyed or consumed.
Police intervention and school closure
The headteacher alerted the District Police Commander (DPC), who deployed officers to restore order at the school.
By Tuesday morning, a joint meeting involving security officials, district education authorities, school administrators, parents, and student leaders was convened.
During the meeting, suspected participants in the strike were identified and arrested.
Authorities subsequently ordered the closure of the school as investigations continue.
Warning issued
Police and education officials have condemned the incident and warned students against engaging in violent strikes. They urged learners to use established channels to address grievances and called on school administrators to strengthen discipline and supervision.
Police said investigations into malicious damage to property, office breaking, and theft are ongoing.
Torch Media Africa
