Iganga, Uganda: Police in Iganga District have arrested three students of Iganga Progressive Academy (IPA) following the death of a 15-year-old student from Iganga Parents Senior Secondary School during a violent altercation on Tuesday evening, July 8.
The deceased, identified as Muhamadi Bikadho, a resident of Nabidogha B Zone in Iganga Municipality, died on the spot after he was allegedly attacked and struck on the head with a stick during a student fight.
The incident occurred as Iganga Progressive students were reportedly returning from a Patriotism Club activity.
Local leaders say the confrontation began when Bikadho was harassed for wearing a skullcap (taqiyah), sparking a physical altercation. “As he tried to fight back after they removed his skullcap, one of them hit him with a stick on the head. He collapsed and died instantly,” Mr. Kange Ramathan, LC1 Chairperson of Nabidogha B, told DailyExpress on the evening.
Mr Kange condemned the violence and urged parents to prioritize discipline in their homes, noting this was not the first violent incident involving students in the area.
Police Confirm Suspects in Custody
When contacted for a police statement on the incident, Busoga East Police spokesperson SP Kafayo Michael confirmed that at least three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the attack.
“We have so far identified three suspects: Isabirye Swaibu alias General (20, S.5 Arts), Mayanja Nelson alias Termite (17, S.1 D), and Buyinza Shafiq alias Fiq (20, S.5 Arts),” SP Kafayo said. “All are students of Iganga Progressive Academy, and we are still tracing a fourth suspect.”
The Regional Police Spox said investigations are ongoing, and police are working with school authorities to determine the full details of what happened.
RDC: “Let This Be a Lesson”
While attending Bikadho’s burial yesterday (Wednesday), Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Iganga, Kato Dauda, urged the bereaved family to remain calm, assuring them that justice will prevail.
“These suspects will serve as an example to other students that even in school uniform, you can be arrested and prosecuted if you engage in criminality,” Kato said. “Parents must stop treating their children like untouchables. Lack of discipline is what we are now reaping.”
The RDC warned that unless schools and homes collaborate to instill discipline, more tragic incidents like this will continue to occur.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over rising indiscipline in secondary schools and prompted calls for stricter behavioral oversight in academic institutions across Iganga and the Busoga sub-region.
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