24 students arrested after police officer injured in Koboko school fight

Koboko, Uganda: Police in Koboko District have arrested 24 students following a violent clash between learners of Daystar Secondary School and Nyarilo Secondary School that left a police officer injured.

According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Josephine Angucia, the incident occurred on Tuesday, April 14, at around 3:00 PM in Alimakodra Cell, Ombaci Ward, North Division of Koboko Municipal Council.

Police say the violence began when students from Daystar SS allegedly attacked Nyarilo SS, accusing them of detaining one of their colleagues.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a fierce stone-throwing battle as students from both schools engaged in retaliatory attacks.

A joint security team comprising the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) was deployed to restore calm.

Officers fired live bullets in the air to disperse the rowdy students.

During the operation, Police Constable Thembo Cosmas sustained an eye injury after being struck by a stone. He was rushed to Koboko General Hospital for treatment.

Police arrested 24 students from both schools and initially detained them at Koboko Central Police Station on charges of causing violence.

However, they were later handed over to their respective school administrations for internal disciplinary action.

In response to the unrest, emergency meetings involving school Boards of Governors, the District Education Officer, Inspector of Schools, and the District Security Committee resolved to temporarily close both schools for one week.

Authorities say the situation has since normalized, with security teams maintaining surveillance in the area.

Incidents of inter-school violence remain a concern in parts of Uganda, often triggered by rivalries, grievances among students, or disciplinary disputes.

According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases involving assault and public disorder among youth have continued to rise, with schools increasingly becoming hotspots for such confrontations.