Ugandan police are searching for a secondary school teacher who allegedly struck a 17-year-old student with a hoe handle during a confrontation over school discipline, leaving the teenager with a serious eye injury in the central district of Kiboga, authorities said.
The incident occurred on July 14, 2026 at Zion Secondary School Kirinda, where the student, identified as Ndiwalana Arafat, reportedly sought permission to leave the school compound to collect pocket money.
Police said the dispute began after a teacher instructed the student to tuck in his school shirt before returning to class. After initially complying, the student allegedly untucked the shirt again in protest as he walked back to the classroom, prompting the teacher to follow him inside.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi said the teacher, identified as Sserwadda Ken, allegedly picked up a hoe handle and struck the student on the back and neck, causing injuries that affected his right eye before he collapsed.
Kigozi said classmates raised the alarm, prompting staff members to intervene and provide first aid before the student was taken to a clinic for further treatment.
Police said the teenager is now in stable condition.
According to investigators, the student later reported the alleged assault at Kiboga Police Station, where officers recorded statements from the complainant and witnesses as part of the investigation.
Police said the teacher fled the school after the incident and remains at large. Authorities said efforts are underway to locate and arrest him.
Kigozi urged teachers to remain professional when dealing with students, saying educators should exercise restraint even when faced with challenging behaviour and ensure that any disciplinary measures comply with professional standards and the law.
