Students of Ishaka Adventist College Strike,destroy property
Police in Bushenyi District are investigating the circumstances surrounding a students’ strike at Ishaka Adventist College which occurred on Tuesday night following the cancellation of Independence eve celebrations.
Martial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi region police spokesperson confirmed the incident that resulted into significant property damage with losses amounting to millions of shillings.
According to reports, students had planned to celebrate the evening with dancing, bonfires, drama, and singing. They had even distributed flyers with their planned activities including “sex competitions that would allegedly start at 6:30 p.m. until late.”
Tumusiime stated that the school headmaster had advised against the celebration but the students disregarded his instructions culminating into a violent riot that resulted in widespread destruction of property. This included smashing dormitory and classroom glass windows as well as damaging vehicles, chairs, and desks.
Efforts by school administrators to calm the students were unsuccessful and the matter was promptly reported to the police who intervened to restore order. Police and military personnel were deployed to prevent further damage and secure the premises.
Tumusiime noted that this type of celebration had been a tradition at the school, but a change was instituted by the administration following a meeting on October 3rd, 2024. Students learned of this change on Monday which may have contributed to their unrest.
Both O and A-level students participated in the strike during which violence escalated with stones being pelted at literally anything at the school campus. Some students were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the chaos while others reportedly fled the school after the incident.
Police and military presence remains heavy at Ishaka Adventist College as investigations continue.
