Police Arrest Teachers Filmed Flogging Student in Ntungamo

Police have yet to name the errant teachers but Ms Maureen Atuhaire, the commissioner for child and family protection, said the two are in custody

Police have confirmed the arrest of two teachers involved in the flogging of a student in Ntungamo district, Western Uganda.

Last week, a video clip that circulated widely on social media showed a male teacher at what many have said was at Standard College Rwashamaire in Ntungamo severely punishing a student while another teachers looked on, prompting public outcry for the teachers' arrest.

On Tuesday, Maureen Atuhaire, the commissioner of the Child and Family Protection Department of Police, announced that the two teachers had been arrested.

"Glad to let you know that the two teachers are already in our custody. They are yet to appear in court," she said.

Reports suggest that the 16-year-old S2 student was punished for allegedly leaving school to buy chapati and beans, a popular local dish known as Kikomando.

Corporal punishment is prohibited in all settings, including schools, under Uganda's Children Act, which clearly forbids any form of physical punishment against children.

"It's unfortunate that some teachers still subject learners to corporal punishments in schools, an act that is prohibited by the Children Act (Amended), 2016 under Section 106A," Ms Atuhaire said.

The law states that individuals in positions of authority within educational institutions cannot administer corporal punishment and will face legal repercussions if they do.

Violating this law can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Shs2 million or both.