Buyende, Uganda: Classes at Namukunyu Primary School in Bugaya Sub-county, Buyende District, were disrupted on Monday after parents stormed the school in protest over allegations that suspected ritual practices had instilled fear among pupils and residents.
The parents claimed that the alleged rituals had created panic within the school community, with some expressing fears that the situation was affecting learners and normal school operations.
One resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that a local resident identified as Kiryawo George was responsible for introducing the alleged rituals in pursuit of wealth. “He brought the rituals for wealth, but now our children’s studies have been disrupted,” the resident claimed.
DailyExpress has not independently verified these allegations, and no official findings have been released linking any individual to criminal activity.
The school’s headteacher, William Balikudembe, confirmed that classes had been disrupted as anxiety spread among pupils, parents and members of the surrounding community.
“The studies are on standstill due to demons which are threatening the community. In a meeting with parents, we have agreed to bring cultural and traditional healers to dig out the rituals,” Balikudembe said.
Parents who gathered at the school demanded immediate intervention to restore confidence and allow learners to return to class.
Bugaya Sub-county NRM Chairperson Mathias Kagomba urged parents to remain calm as local leaders work to address the concerns raised by the community. He expressed optimism that normalcy would soon be restored at the school.
Local leaders said community engagements and inquiries into the matter are ongoing with the aim of resolving the dispute and ensuring learning resumes.
No official statement had been issued by the Uganda Police Force or other relevant authorities regarding the allegations by the time of publication.
Editor’s Note
The claims in this story are allegations made by community members and have not been independently verified by DailyExpress. No evidence has been presented publicly linking any named individual to the alleged ritual practices, and investigations or official inquiries, if any, are ongoing.
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