Mbale, Uganda: Six Senior Two students of Nkoma Secondary School have been arrested and suspended after a viral video captured them assaulting and robbing a student from Mbale Progressive School.
School authorities handed the suspects over to police following internal disciplinary action, marking a decisive response to rising student-related violence in Mbale City.
The head teacher Nkoma SS Abubakar Kawanguzi, the students committed multiple offences, including fighting outside school, dodging classes, and tarnishing the institution’s image.
The school’s Disciplinary Committee resolved on April 15, 2026, to suspend the students pending a final decision by the Board of Governors. They have also been barred from accessing school premises.
Deputy head teacher Ramadan Ntege said the school worked closely with the community and security agencies to identify the suspects captured in the video.
Police confirm arrests, warn of prosecution
Elgon Regional Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed the arrests and warned that criminal liability applies even to minors above 12 years.
“Those aged 18 and above will face full prosecution,” Taitika said.
He commended the public for sharing the video evidence, which he said was instrumental in tracking down the suspects.
The students are currently detained at Nakaloke Police Station as investigations continue.
Mbale Industrial City Division Deputy RCC Hamza Banja revealed that authorities had earlier received reports of students carrying dangerous items such as electric wires, rings, and sharp objects.
He warned that students engaging in criminal activities risk imprisonment and urged parents and schools to reinforce discipline.
Authorities also raised concern over students wearing uniforms of different schools to conceal identity, complicating enforcement efforts.
The incident adds to a worrying trend of student-related violence in Mbale and surrounding areas.
In 2025, several cases of school-related attacks were reported, including the killing of a Mbale High School student in a suspected gang-related incident.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of assault and robbery, particularly among youth, remain prevalent, with violent crime categories showing notable increases compared to 2024.
Police have warned that failure to curb such behaviour early could escalate into organised criminal activity.
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