Kwania, Uganda: Police in Kwania District have launched investigations into the killing of a 16-year-old Senior Four student at Abongomola Seed Secondary School in a suspected case of mob action by fellow students.
The deceased, Solomon Olukori, a resident of Emeny Cell in Apolika Parish, Chawente Sub-county, was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Tuesday after being accused of repeatedly stealing fellow students’ property.
According to police and school sources, tensions had been building over allegations that the student had been stealing items such as jerrycans and basins and selling them to nearby communities.
“The deceased had been on and off accused of stealing students’ belongings. Many students were frustrated, and it appears the situation got out of hand,” said a student witness.
Authorities say the situation escalated into mob violence at dawn, resulting in fatal injuries.
Kwania District Police Commander SP Arinda Alison confirmed the incident, saying officers were deployed immediately to contain the situation and commence investigations.
“We have started inquiries into the circumstances under which this student lost his life. Our team is on the ground to restore calm and collect evidence,” he said, warning against mob justice.
“We strongly caution the public and students against taking the law into their own hands. Such actions are criminal and will be dealt with accordingly.”
Following the incident, the school administration suspended operations and sent students home indefinitely over safety concerns.
Police also arrested the school head teacher, Ashirafu Ssemanda, as part of ongoing investigations, although authorities have not yet disclosed the specific grounds for his detention.
Local leaders have urged calm as investigations continue.
LC5 Councillor for Abongomola and Secretary for Works in Kwania District Alex Opara called on parents to remain composed.
“Police have taken over the matter, and we ask parents not to panic. Let investigations proceed so that justice can be served,” Opara said.
Sub-county official Ronald Opio Giso said authorities were compelled to close the school early to ensure safety.
“The situation forced us to allow a premature holiday for the school as investigations continue,” he noted.
The Parent-Teacher Association Chairperson Rev Noah Onyum Akocom said the school community is cooperating with police to establish what led to the fatal incident.
The body of the deceased was taken to Aduku Health Centre IV for postmortem examination.
The incident has renewed concern over student discipline, conflict management in schools, and the persistence of mob justice in Uganda. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, mob justice remains a recurring challenge, often driven by frustration, mistrust in formal justice systems, and breakdowns in institutional control.
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