Apac, Uganda: Seven students of Apac Seed Secondary School are nursing injuries, three of them severe, after a violent night attack by a suspected gang, raising fresh concerns over student safety in northern Uganda.
The Sunday night incident, which occurred at around 10:00 pm, disrupted otherwise calm Easter celebrations across Apac District.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said the attack was carried out by about 15 assailants armed with pangas and knives.
“The incident involved a group of unknown attackers who were armed with pangas and knives, leaving seven students injured, three of them seriously,” he said.
According to police, the violence began when a suspicious individual was spotted near the girls’ dormitory. Male students who responded attempted to confront him, prompting the suspect to flee by jumping over the school fence.
“One of the students attempted to pursue the suspect, but he was ambushed by some of the attackers who inflicted multiple cuts on him,” SP Okema explained.
As the alarm was raised, six other students rushed to rescue their colleague, only to encounter what authorities believe was a coordinated trap.
“The victim’s alarm attracted six other students, but they were confronted by a larger group of about 15 attackers. In the ensuing confrontation, all seven sustained injuries,” he added.
Police said three of the victims sustained severe wounds to the head, neck, ribs, and hands, while others suffered varying degrees of cuts. Officers from Apac Central Police Station responded swiftly and rushed the injured to Apac Main Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The victims have been identified as Ojok Ivan Okabo (S4), Alele Jonathan (S3), Oyile Jonathan (S4), Ocen Sam (S4), Awany Bruce (S4), Odongo Ronald (S3), and Odur Bonny.
School head teacher James Akeba described the attack as unprecedented and deeply troubling. “This is a very disturbing incident for us. Our school has always been peaceful, and this kind of violence is something we never expected,” Mr Akeba said.
He expressed concern over the organised nature of the attackers. “We are particularly worried that the attackers appeared organised and deliberate. This was not a случай act—it was coordinated,” he said.
While commending the students’ bravery, he cautioned against taking risks in dangerous situations.
“The boys acted out of courage to save their colleague, and we appreciate that spirit. But going forward, we urge learners to prioritise their safety and immediately alert authorities instead of confronting intruders.”
Mr Akeba said the school is reviewing its security systems to prevent a recurrence. “We are reviewing all our safety measures—lighting, fencing, and night patrols. We cannot allow such a breach to happen again,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration with security agencies and the surrounding community.
Police have since deployed a joint team, including a K9 unit, to support investigations, with hopes that suspects will soon be identified.
“Some of the injured students have told us they can recognise a number of the assailants. This gives us hope that arrests will be made,” SP Okema said.
He urged the public to support investigations. “We appeal to anyone with information to come forward. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice.”
Police said the motive behind the attack is still under investigation. “At this stage, we are still establishing why this happened and who exactly was behind it,” he added.
Despite the incident, authorities noted that Easter celebrations across the North Kyoga region were largely peaceful. “This appears to be an isolated case. Generally, the Easter period was calm, with only minor incidents reported elsewhere,” SP Okema said.
The attack has nonetheless left parents, students, and residents shaken, with renewed concerns over the safety of boarding schools in the region.
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