Parents demand head teacher’s removal after Rubirizi school fire

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Police in Rubirizi district are investigating a case in which a teacher is accused of inciting pupils to burn school property.

The suspect, Andrew Wabyoona, 30, teaches primary six and seven at Rugazi Central Primary School. He resides in Nyungunto village, Magambo parish, Magambo sub-county.

According to Police, on July 29, 2025, at around 11:00 pm, a group of pupils believed to have been influenced by Wabyoona reportedly bought petrol and set fire to a maize plantation located behind the school’s main hall. The blaze spread and damaged windows in the head teacher’s office and the staffroom.

Police in Rubirizi district are investigating a case in which a teacher is accused of inciting pupils to burn school property. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)

The suspected motive behind the arson is anger over the recent transfer of three teachers, including the head teacher, which has stirred tension among pupils and staff.

Police responded promptly and extinguished the fire before further damage could occur. No injuries were reported.

The Rubirizi resident district commissioner (RDC), Bruno Kikanshemeza, strongly condemned the incident and said those responsible would face punishment.

“This kind of violence and indiscipline in schools will not be accepted. We are talking to the community to calm the situation. I ask parents to be patient as we complete investigations,” he said.

The acting regional police spokesperson, SP Apollo Tayebwa, confirmed that Wabyoona had been arrested and is assisting police with their inquiries.

“Violence in schools is dangerous and must be stopped. If we get enough evidence, we shall charge him in court, along with anyone else involved,” Tayebwa said.

Parents fault head teacher

Following the incident, the situation escalated as several parents stormed the Rubirizi district education office demanding the removal of the new head teacher, Jesca Nantale. They accused her of poor leadership.

The parents claimed that the school’s environment had deteriorated since her appointment, with ongoing conflict between staff and pupils. They expressed a lack of confidence in the current management.

“We want the head teacher removed. The school is no longer safe for our children,” one parent said.

When New Vision visited the school, some teachers were still conducting lessons, though several classrooms remained empty. A number of parents were seen collecting their children, saying they no longer felt the school was a secure environment.

The district inspector of schools, Geofrey Tumusiime, stated that efforts were underway to restore order and resume normal learning.

“We are working with all concerned parties to solve the problem and make sure learning continues,” he said.

Head teacher Jesca Nantale did not speak to New Vision but remained at the school as district officials engaged with stakeholders to ease tensions.