Emeute à Njeru – mars 2010

Students riot over evil spirits

monitor.co.ug

By Pauline Kairu

Wednesday, March 31 2010

Jinja

Students of St. Mark Naminya High School in Njeru, Mukono District have engaged police in running battles and destroyed property worth millions of shillings after management kicked out witchdoctors hired to perform rituals at the institution.

Two witch doctors, called in to cleanse the school of demons which are alleged to have been sexually assaulting students, had been hired by some school administrators following consultations with the sub-county leadership.

Wakisi Sub-county Vice Chairman Ramathan Kabwiso alleged that female students have been complaining about being ‘sexually assaulted’ by ghosts since last year. He said numerous prayer sessions by pastors had failed to solve the problem.

However, Rev Suubi Musumba, the chairperson of the board of the Anglican Church-founded school, opposed the idea sparking riots by students last week.

She was attacked by students who accused her of refusing to accept the reality.

She had to flee for her dear life. Students turned their wrath on her household property and vandalised it. The irate students also cut down the school’s banana garden.

Students arrested

Seventeen male students accused of masterminding the riots were arrested. Jinja District Police Commander, John Cohen Arinaitwe said they are investigating the matter.

Attempts to talk to Rev. Musumba were futile because she was locked in a crisis meeting with board members.