Over the weekend, a shocking video surfaced online, showing two teachers caning a student. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage and intense debate. Many called the punishment too harsh, questioning the teachers’ actions. Eyewitnesses claim the student had briefly left school to get food.
However, instead of a verbal warning, he faced harsh physical punishment. “This is unacceptable,” one social media user commented. “Teachers should discipline, not abuse!” Corporal punishment in Ugandan schools remains a heated issue. The Children Act (Amended), 2016, under Section 106A, strictly prohibits it. Yet, some schools continue to use it as a disciplinary measure.
While most condemned the act of teachers caning the student, a few defended the teachers’ actions. “Discipline is important,” one person argued. “Students must respect school rules.” Others strongly disagreed. “There are better ways to discipline students,” another user replied. “Violence teaches nothing but fear.”
The Uganda Police Force quickly responded to the viral video. Maureen Atuhaire, Commissioner of the Child and Family Protection Department, addressed the situation. “It’s unfortunate that some teachers still use corporal punishment,” she posted on X/Twitter. “A case of torture has been opened at Ntungamo CPS. Efforts to arrest the suspects are underway.”
Here is the video
This is why I attended 27 different schools during my O-levels, no teacher was allowed to beat me. If anyone tried, I would go to the dormitory, grab my stick, and face them man to man. My old boys, old girls, and former teachers on this platform can testify. Why would you… pic.twitter.com/t0Qlemr9XG
— Hon Mwesigye Frank (@MwesigyeFranks) February 9, 2025
This swift police response reassures the public that such acts won’t go unpunished. However, it also raises questions about how schools enforce discipline without resorting to violence.
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