Nicholas Nakibinge
Police in Luwero District are hunting for a teacher and the headteacher of New Life Senior Secondary School following the death of a student who allegedly died after being assaulted at the school.
The deceased has been identified as Nicholas Nakibinge, a 16-year-old male juvenile and Senior Four (S.4) student at New Life Senior Secondary School. He was a day scholar from Kiwogozi Village, Luwero Town Council.
According to police spokesperson Sam Twineamazima, preliminary investigations indicate that the incident happened at about 4:00pm at New Life Senior Secondary School after teachers allegedly assaulted students who had reportedly failed to trim their hair.
Twineamazima said Abraham Mukalazi, a physics teacher at the school who is currently on the run, allegedly struck Nakibinge in the chest, causing him to collapse. The student was rushed to Luwero Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Police were notified and responded immediately. Statements were recorded from students, and two staff members were arrested to assist with investigations. Mukalazi and the headteacher fled, but efforts are ongoing to trace them so that they can answer the charges,” Twineamazima said.
The body of the deceased was transferred to the mortuary at Mulago Hospital for a postmortem examination as police continue with investigations and the search for the key suspect.
“We convey our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” Twineamazima added.
Paul Mukungu, the LC111 chairperson and co-director of New Life Senior Secondary School, described the incident as unfortunate and deeply regrettable, condemning the alleged use of corporal punishment that reportedly resulted in the student’s death.
Mukungu said the school administration is cooperating with police, the deceased’s family, and other relevant authorities to establish what happened and ensure justice is served.
“I am currently escorting the parent to the mortuary to ensure that the postmortem is conducted and that we transfer the body to the bereaved family for a decent send-off. We shall continue working with the family and extend our condolences to them,” Mukungu said.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over disciplinary practices in schools, with education stakeholders, parents, and child protection advocates calling for stronger measures to safeguard learners against corporal punishment and abuse.
