By Vicent Emong
KUMI — More than 17 computers have been destroyed and significant school property vandalized following a violent student strike at Kumi Technical School on the evening of April 16, 2026.
According to South Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Stephen Mukombe, police received reports of arson and destruction at around 7:30 p.m., prompting a swift response by security teams led by the District Police Commander.
Preliminary findings indicate that the unrest was triggered by student complaints over inadequate and poor-quality food served at the school.
During the chaos, students reportedly stormed the computer laboratory, where they destroyed all computers, broke classroom doors and windows, and vandalized the head teacher’s office, damaging several items.
By the time police arrived at the scene, many of the students involved had fled and were said to be hiding within the surrounding community.
“No arrests have been made yet, but investigations are ongoing,” Mukombe said, urging those involved to surrender themselves to authorities and warning against acts of violence and destruction.
The head teacher, Gerald Nsubuga, condemned the incident, describing it as sudden and unexpected.
“I was at school until 6:00 p.m., and there was no sign of unrest. Later, I received distress calls, and by the time I returned with police, the computer laboratory was already on fire,” he said.
Nsubuga noted that the destruction of the computer lab is a major setback, especially as students were preparing for examinations, including computer studies.
He added that while food complaints had been raised, the scale of the violence suggests deeper underlying issues within the school.
“I am not convinced this was just about food. There may have been ongoing concerns we were not fully aware of,” he said.
Kumi Municipal Sports Officer Omugeny John Bosco, representing the Municipal Education Office, cited poor food quality, hygiene concerns, and unaddressed student grievances as contributing factors. He also noted complaints about some teachers prioritizing private engagements over school duties.
“The students felt ignored, and in some cases, their concerns were met with harsh responses,” Bosco explained.
Some witnesses claimed the extent of the damage could have been reduced if there had been a quicker response from authorities. A nearby teacher, Jorem Ijulan, said he alerted police immediately after hearing the commotion, but response time was slow.
Parents have since raised alarm over the safety of their children, with one parent, Grace Ayeto, reporting that her child remains missing following the incident. Others criticized the school administration for failing to hold regular meetings to address student concerns.
School authorities are now considering a temporary closure as they assess the damage and plan for rehabilitation, particularly of the destroyed computer laboratory.
Police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will be held accountable.
The incident has sparked concern over student welfare, school management, and the need for improved communication between students and administrators to prevent similar unrest in the future.
