MBARARA .
Ntare School, one of the top- notch schools in the country is in the spotlight over claims that its students are engaging in homosexuality.
On Sunday police rescued four students at the school from being lynched by their colleagues over their alleged involvement in the ungodly practice .
What is disputing is that the vice is growing under the watch of the school administration.
Two of the suspected students were rescued by the administration, while the other two escaped from the school during the chaos.
The situation forced the school administration to call police to restore order
This angered the students, who turned their frustration on the administration building, smashing glass windows and destroying property from the staffroom to the dormitories.
“We are concerned that homosexuality is being practiced in the school but the administrators are not addressing it. We have prefects who live with us and meet regularly with the administration, but they claim not to be aware,” said one student, who declined to be named for fear of reprisal.
Another student said they targeted the school leaders because they believed the leaders were involved in the alleged practice.
“If we students know, what about the leaders? This was just a wake-up call. If it is not addressed, we will take it upon ourselves to stop the vice. The President, who is an Old Boy of this school, assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
It would be a shame to hear that such practices are happening here,” he said.
This is not the first time Ntare School has faced unrest over similar allegations. In August 2015, the gates were closed to non-candidate classes after students attempted to lynch colleagues suspected of engaging in homosexuality.
The administration later denied the claims, with then-head teacher Mr Jimmy Turyagyenda saying the strike was about stolen uniforms and sweaters.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 prohibits any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex, as well as the promotion or recognition of such relations. Under Section 2(1) of the Act, a person convicted of homosexuality is liable to life imprisonment.
School head teacher Mr Saul Rwampororo confirmed that the strike was triggered by suspected homosexual activity among students.
“Some students tried to attack four of their colleagues, accusing them of practicing and promoting homosexuality. Around midnight, they chased two boys who managed to escape and seek refuge at the school gate, which is manned by security,” he said.
The glass of one of the school’s classrooms, smashed by students during the strike. Photo by Okoodi Deo.
He added that the mob then went to the head prefect’s room, accusing him of knowing other suspects, and when they failed to find him, they resorted to vandalism.
“After failing to get the head prefect, they picked up sticks and stones and started destroying school property. We called police to restore calm,” he said.
Mr Rwampororo noted that the school has previously suspended students over related behaviour.
“We have started investigations and are involving police. The issue of homosexuality is not new—it is happening in the wider world and in other schools.
Our students come here young, and I don’t think they start with such behaviours. External influence, especially during holidays, could be a factor,” he said.
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Mr Samson Kasasira confirmed the incident.
“Police responded in time to stop further damage to school property. The cause of the strike has not been established, and investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made, and no student has been suspended so far. More details will come from the school administration,” he said.
Ntare School Old Boys Association chairperson Mr Apollo Kashanku said they are concerned about the reports and are liaising with authorities to uncover the truth.