ension turned into chaos at St. Francis Schools Nagalama Kakakala in Kimenyedde Sub-county, Mukono District, after a long-standing dispute over a blocked access road escalated into violent confrontations involving students, teachers, parents, and local residents.
The incident unfolded when a group of angry parents and community members stormed the school premises, accusing the administration of unlawfully blocking a public access road. The situation quickly spiraled into a scuffle as students and teachers rallied to shield the school director, Fred Kafumbe from the agitated crowd that was demanding answers and, at one point, attempted to attack him.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation intensified after Kafumbe allegedly blocked the Sub-county Chairperson, Hajji Juma Lubega, from entering the school. In a dramatic turn, Kafumbe reportedly grabbed the chairperson by the shirt at the school gate, an act that ignited tempers and triggered widespread disorder.
As tensions boiled over, both sides engaged in stone-throwing, leaving several people injured. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The violence disrupted normal school activities and drew the attention of local authorities, who rushed to the scene to restore order.
Among those present was Chief Ritah Nalubwama, who had accompanied Hajji Lubega in an effort to mediate the dispute between the school management and the surrounding community. At the heart of the conflict is the construction of a perimeter wall by the school, which residents argue has blocked a vital access road leading to a government facility.
In the midst of the chaos, Kafumbe managed to briefly escape in his vehicle through the school gate. However, his exit was thwarted when the LC1 Chairperson, Mathias Lubowa, blocked the vehicle, prolonging the standoff until security personnel intervened.
Residents accused the school proprietor of encroaching on community land and violating an earlier agreement to leave a 12-foot access route open for public use. Lubowa emphasized that the road had existed long before the school acquired the land and should not be obstructed.
“This road has always been here. We agreed they would leave space for access, but they have instead blocked it,” Lubowa said during the heated exchange.
In response, Hajji Lubega ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities at the school and directed the Officer in Charge of Nagalama Police Station to ensure compliance until the matter is resolved.
Police officers led by ASP Kiggundu, the Officer in Charge, and Community Liaison Officer ASP Annet, swiftly intervened and convened an emergency meeting involving all stakeholders. The meeting, chaired by Hajji Lubega, aimed at calming tensions and finding an amicable resolution.
During the discussions, residents insisted that the school must provide an alternative access route, noting that many of those affected are also parents with children studying at the institution.
Police commended the community for eventually exercising restraint despite the earlier violence but warned against taking the law into their own hands. However, emotions remained high, with some residents demanding punitive action against the school director.
In a breakthrough, Kafumbe agreed to purchase adjacent land to create a new access road, a proposal that was welcomed by the community as a step toward resolving the impasse.
Further progress was made when two parents offered to sell part of their land to facilitate the new access route. A partial payment was made on the spot, and a formal agreement was signed, with the balance expected to be cleared within the agreed timeframe.
ASP Kiggundu issued a one-week ultimatum for the full resolution of the matter, urging all parties to remain calm and cooperative.
Authorities have since called for peace as the agreed measures are implemented, warning that any further disturbances will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
