PADER
Eight students from Kworo High School in Pader district were detained at Pader Central Police Station on Monday, 11 November 2024, following an attempted strike. The unrest reportedly erupted after school authorities confiscated mobile phones from students.
The identities of the detained students were not disclosed by press time.
Headteacher Atim Beatrice confirmed the incident, stating that swift police intervention prevented the strike from escalating. “We acted promptly to avoid further disruption,” said Atim. “The police intervened in time, and the ring leaders were taken into custody.”
Despite this, tension remained on campus. On Tuesday, students boycotted meals and scattered food around the school compound as a form of protest. Atim condemned the students’ actions and urged other schools to prevent similar incidents. “Such behaviour is unacceptable. I urge students across the district to express grievances through appropriate channels, not disruptive actions,” she added.
Angai Doreen, an officer from the Child and Family Protection Unit (CFPU) at Pader Central Police Station, confirmed the detentions and advised students to focus on their education. “This type of conduct is harmful, not only to the students but also to the entire school community,” she noted. “I encourage students to avoid such disruptions and concentrate on building a positive future for themselves.”
The attempted strike at Kworo High School follows a similar incident at Lagwai Seed Secondary School on 9 November, where students reportedly protested due to allegations of unprofessional behaviour by certain teachers. After the protest, the school administration temporarily sent home all 725 students for a week.
Education officials have expressed concern over the growing unrest in schools across Pader district and are working with school administrations to develop conflict resolution strategies.
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