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Dozens of parents stormed the Rubirizi District Education Office, demanding the removal of the school’s new head teacher
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By Our Reporter
Rubirizi
Police in Rubirizi District are investigating a case in which a teacher is accused of inciting pupils to burn school property. The suspect, Andrew Wabyoona, 30, a Primary Six and Seven teacher at Lugazi Central Primary School, resides in Nyungunto Village, Magambo Parish, Magambo Sub-county.
According to police, on the night of July 29, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., some pupils—believed to have been influenced by Wabyoona—allegedly purchased petrol and set fire to a maize plantation behind the school's main hall. The fire spread, damaging the windows of the head teacher’s office and the staffroom. The suspected motive behind the arson is said to be anger over the recent transfer of three teachers, including the head teacher, which sparked tensions among both pupils and staff.
Police responded quickly and managed to extinguish the fire before it caused more damage. No injuries were reported. Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bruno Kinkanshemeza, strongly condemned the act, stating that those responsible would be held accountable.
"This kind of violence and indiscipline in schools will not be tolerated. We are engaging the community to calm the situation. I urge parents to remain patient as investigations continue," Kinkanshemeza said.
Acting Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Apollo Tayebwa, confirmed that Wabyoona had been arrested and is assisting with the investigation.
"Violence in schools is dangerous and must be stopped. If sufficient evidence is obtained, he will be charged in court, along with anyone else involved," Tayebwa stated.
Parents Demand Head Teacher’s Removal
Following the incident, tensions escalated as a group of parents stormed the Rubirizi District Education Office, demanding the removal of the new head teacher, Jesca Nantale. They accused her of poor leadership and claimed the school environment had deteriorated since her arrival.
"We want the head teacher removed. The school is no longer safe for our children," said one parent.
Jessica Nantale the new school headteacher
Parents cited ongoing conflicts between staff and pupils, saying they had lost trust in the school’s administration. When our reporter visited the school, some teachers were still conducting lessons, but several classrooms were empty. A number of parents were seen taking their children home, expressing concern for their safety.
District Inspector of Schools, Geofrey Tumusiime, assured the public that efforts were underway to restore normalcy. "We are working with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation and ensure that learning continues," Tumusiime said.
Head teacher Jesca Nantale did not speak to the press but remained on the school premises as district officials worked to calm the situation.
Torch Media Africa
