Minister warns schools against corporal punishment after student’s death

The minister of state for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth and Children’s Affairs, Mercy Faith Lakisa, has condemned the continued use of corporal punishment in schools following the death of a senior four student in Luwero district.

Lakisa made the remarks during a visit to New Life Secondary School on Wednesday, where she said the government is closely monitoring investigations into the death of 17-year-old Nicholas Nakibinge, who allegedly died after being beaten by a teacher last month.

According to police, the prime suspect, physics teacher Abraham Mukalazi, remains on the run, with efforts underway to trace and arrest him. Nakibinge reportedly collapsed on June 16 following an altercation with the teacher, who allegedly accused him of failing to trim his hair in accordance with school regulations and performing poorly in remedial tests.

He later died while being rushed to Luwero hospital. During closed-door meetings with police and school administrators, Lakisa received an update on the progress of investigations. School administrators reportedly expressed regret over the incident.

Addressing students, the minister said corporal punishment has no place in Uganda’s education system and urged schools to adopt lawful, child-friendly disciplinary measures. She noted that teachers may not be aware of learners’ underlying medical conditions and warned that physical punishment can result in serious injury or death.

Lakisa directed schools across the country to abandon corporal punishment and instead embrace positive, non-violent approaches to discipline. She also encouraged learners to report abuse through Sauti 116, the government’s toll-free, 24-hour child helpline managed by the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which receives reports of child abuse, gender-based violence and other child protection concerns.

Speaking to journalists, the minister expressed confidence that the suspect would be arrested and prosecuted. Lakisa also visited Luwero Islamic Noor Secondary School following allegations of corporal punishment at the institution, warning the school’s management against violating children’s rights.

Speaking on behalf of fellow students, Caroline Nantongo of New Life Secondary School said the minister’s visit had reassured learners, many of whom remain traumatised by Nakibinge’s death.

The school’s management declined to comment during the minister’s visit. However, shortly after the incident, the school’s co-director and LCII chairperson, Paul Mukungu, described the student’s death as tragic and condemned the alleged assault that reportedly preceded it.

The incident has renewed debate over enforcement of Uganda’s ban on corporal punishment in schools. Section 106A of the Children (Amendment) Act, 2016 prohibits corporal punishment in educational institutions and requires schools to adopt child-friendly disciplinary measures.

The ministry of Education and Sports has also issued guidelines promoting positive discipline. Despite these legal safeguards, reports of learners being caned, beaten and subjected to other forms of physical punishment continue to emerge from schools across the country, raising concerns about compliance with the law and the protection of children’s rights.

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