Mayhem as another school closes over strike

By Donald Kiirya    

Wanyange Girls School was indefinitely closed on Friday following unrest by students protesting purported strange demon attacks.

The unrest by students started Thursday when they refused to attend class and to eat lunch claiming that the food had blood stains in it which they said was connected to witchcraft.

Students accused the newly posted head mistress, Deborah Basekanakyo, of failing to address their complaints of witchcraft.  

They said that demons have been attacking their colleagues at the school and making them to walk like are disabled.  They said that possessed students involuntarily fall down and talk in strange languages.

A source who is a top school administrator and preferred anonymity said a few days ago, eighteen students that were said to be possessed by the demons were rushed to a clinic for an examination but the doctor’s results confirmed that all were being disturbed by anxiety.

Students wait for their parents to pick them. PHOTO/Donald Kiirya

The unrest called for the intervention of Grace Musoke, the Kiira East Division Police Commander, PTA and the Board of governors, who talked to students at the school and decided that they go home until further notice.  

Musoke said students threatened to strike if they are not allowed to go home.

She said they did not have clear reasons as to why they wanted to go on strike but Police suspects that they are following the trend that has seen several schools close.

She also dismissed allegations of strange demon attacks. The students were due to start mock exams. 

On Thursday evening, journalists were blocked from accessing the school with orders from management.

Journalists were blocked from accessing the school. PHOTO/Donald Kiirya

As early as 6:00am today (Friday), parents gathered at the school to collect their children after management sent them messages informing them to collect their children without giving specific reasons.  

Over 800 students were seen parking their property and waiting for their parents.

Taxis were also seen at the school compound ready to transport those who had money at hiked fares.  Some parents expressed concern over the messages they received from Wanyange Girls School without genuine reasons.

Others said it inconvenienced their daily working routine.  An attempt to seek comment from the head mistress were futile

By Press time, management of the school was organising a meeting with the Board of governors and find a way forward.

Last month students of Jinja College were sent home over a strike. In May Busgoga College Mwiri students also went on strike.

Six schools in western have recently closed in a perios of three weeks over strikes.

These include Kashaka Girl’s School Mbarara, Mutolere Secondary School in Kisoro, Eden International School in Mbarara, Muntuyera High School in Ntungamo ,Kyeizooba girls in Bushenyi and Bassajabalaba Secondary School in Bushenyi.