Alebtong, Uganda – Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Mathias Lutwama has taken decisive action to restore discipline at Akura Secondary School following a violent student strike on the night of Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The students, who resorted to stone-throwing to express their grievances, were met with a firm and direct response from Lutwama, who condemned the unrest and guided them on lawful ways to address their concerns.
Arriving at the school on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with Assistant RDC Ongom Lameck, security officers, and the school administration, Lutwama wasted no time in addressing the 300 students.
He firmly warned them against engaging in acts of lawlessness, emphasizing that violence will never be tolerated as a means of protest.
“We can’t allow indiscipline to take root in our schools. Strikes and destruction only hurt your future. If you have grievances, there are channels to follow. Violence will only bring consequences,” Lutwama told the students.
He singled out truancy as a dangerous pattern among students, explaining how peer influence leads to criminal behaviour.
He urged students to take responsibility for their actions and avoid being used by unruly elements.
Lutwama also put student leaders under scrutiny, particularly prefects and dormitory captains, who he accused of failing to guide their peers effectively.
He urged them to act as responsible intermediaries between students and administration instead of fueling discontent.
“You were elected to lead, not to incite rebellion or blame teachers for everything. If you fail to guide your fellow students, you are failing in your duty,” he asserted.
In a closed-door session with the school administration, Lutwama instructed management to listen to students’ concerns and address genuine grievances promptly.
He urged them to foster academic empathy while maintaining strict discipline to avoid future unrest.
“The students must feel heard, but they must also understand that discipline is non-negotiable. Address their issues where necessary, but do not tolerate indiscipline,” he directed.
Following Lutwama’s intervention, the ringleaders of the violent strike submitted written apologies, vowing never to incite violence again.
Lutwama accepted their pleas for forgiveness but made it clear that any future misconduct would attract serious consequences.
During his visit, Lutwama also commended the Catholic Church for offering 80 bursaries to Akura Secondary School.
He linked this support to the school’s impressive performance in science subjects, particularly Biology, Chemistry, and Agriculture, and urged students to make good use of such opportunities.
Lutwama concluded his visit by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring discipline and academic excellence in schools across Alebtong.
He pledged continued engagement with education stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The leadership of Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama stands as a symbol of firm governance and a commitment to restoring order in learning institutions as Akura Secondary School turns a new leaf.
