Brebar High school in Mbarara was a scene of running battles between police and students on Wednesday evening following a violent strike by students. Police used teargas to disperse and calm down the angry students who were protesting against the school administration. Kenneth Muheirwe, Mbarara District Police Commander says that they were called in to calm down the situation after the students turned rowdy in vain.
He says that they were forced close the school after the students refused to calm down and cooperate with the school administration. A student, who spoke to URN on condition of anonymity for fear of being reprimanded, says that they staged the strike to protest the poor policy of the newly appointed head teacher he only identified as Shan, a son to Kellen Mwesigye, the director of the school.
They accuse Shan of harassing them over petty issues. Trouble between Shan and the students started about a month ago following the sacking of Nelson Karuhanga, the former school head teacher. The decision drew angry reactions from the students who took Karuhanga as their father, because of his close relationship with them.
Kellen Mwesigye, the director Brebar High school says she was forced to sack Karuhanga because he was influencing students to rebel against her. It is not yet clear when the school will be reopened.
