Teachers in viral student torture video remanded to prison

Kampala, (UG):- The Magistrate’s Court in Ntungamo District has charged and remanded to prison two teachers of Standard College Rwashamaire over assault after the duo appeared in a viral video assaulting a 16-year-old student at the school.

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, led to the duo’s arrest on Tuesday morning and subsequent arraignment before Grade I Magistrate Nassuna Sharon in the afternoon.

The accused, Aneb Mwesigye (31) and Naboth Twesigye (30) are accused of assaulting Brian Akampa (16), after a viral video showed the two causing actual bodily harm to the student who had reportedly escaped from school and returned with the smell of alcohol.

“You are charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges against you are bailable, and you have a right to apply for bail,” Magistrate Nassuna informed the accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges and were subsequently remanded until March 4, 2025.

State Prosecution led by Ntungamo State Attorney Marriam Nambusi told the court that investigations into the case were complete, paving the way for a trial on March 4, 2025.

It's unfortunate that some teachers still subject learners to corporal punishments in schools, an act that is prohibited by the Children Act (Amended), 2016 under Section 106A. A case of torture has been opened at Ntungamo CPS. Efforts to have suspects arrested are underway. pic.twitter.com/jK0SZPnprn

— Maureen Atuhaire (@momocherise) February 9, 2025

The viral video (above) In the widely shared video clip, the two teachers mercilessly flogged Akampa and when he tried to run amidst pleas to be forgiven, he was grabbed at the door and slapped hard. Then they forced him back on the floor for more strokes of the cane.

The assault drew condemnation from the public, with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba calling on police to arrest the teachers.

On Monday, Ntungamo District Police Commander Hannington Bushaija expressed concern over the rising cases of student indiscipline, which, he noted, has led some teachers and school administrators to resort to illegal disciplinary measures.

Standard College Rwashamaire is part of Standard College schools, co-owned by Electoral Commission Commissioner Steven Tashobya, who also owns Standard College Ntungamo and Standard Junior School. The schools hare known to be strict when it comes to disciplinary, often involving corporal punishment.