Police in Bushenyi District are investigating the circumstances surrounding a student strike at Ishaka Adventist College which was prompted by the failure to hold an Independence Day Eve celebration.

Martial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for the Greater Bushenyi Region Police confirmed that the incident occurred last night and resulted in substantial property damage estimated in the millions. The situation was reported by Asiimwe Damson, a 34-year-old Director of Studies at the school.

It is alleged that as is customary, students intended to celebrate Independence Eve with dancing, bonfires, drama, and singing throughout the night. They even distributed papers outlining their planned events which included having sex competitions the whole day where by the school headmaster had advised against the celebration but the students disregarded his counsel.

In retaliation, they began rioting causing significant damage to school property, including smashing windows in dormitories and classrooms, vandalizing vehicles and breaking chairs and desks. Despite attempts by school administrators to calm the students, their efforts were unsuccessful. The situation escalated, leading to the police and military being notified and responding promptly to restore order.

Tumusiime noted that celebrating Independence Eve in such a manner had been a tradition among students but this year, the school administration had altered the plans during a meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2024, an announcement that students received on the following Monday.

Tumusiime indicated that some students remain hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the chaos while others have fled the school following the incident. Police and military forces continue to maintain a heavy presence at the school as investigations proceed.