Ugandan police have opened an investigation into a viral video showing a school director flogging a man and a female student, reportedly involved in a romantic relationship. The incident took place on February 22, 2025, at King James School of Nursing and Midwifery in Lira. The video, under two minutes, shows students watching in silence as the director whips the man in public.
The man, a clinical officer at Apac General Hospital, faced humiliation in front of hundreds of learners. Soon after the video surfaced, his phone was turned off. Sources revealed that the victim had formed a relationship with a student on attachment at Apac Hospital. Trouble began when the student’s father visited the school to clear fees and learned she had been assigned to Apac Hospital. Upon reaching the hospital, he could not find his daughter. Later, someone told him that her elder brother had taken her home for prayers.
The father, who knew he had no son, returned to the school and demanded an explanation. His pressure led the school to search for the girl. They found her with the clinical officer at Omodo Trading Centre. The two were reportedly living together as partners. Mr. Dickson Odongo, the school director, took them back to the school. He then flogged the man in front of students to send a message that the institution did not tolerate romantic affairs.
One insider explained that while many condemned the director’s actions, some parents might sympathize with him. The informant argued that such elopements could damage both the school’s reputation and the student’s future. The source clarified that he did not support violence but understood the director’s concern.
After the beating, Mr. Odongo reportedly asked for forgiveness and promised to compensate the man. However, he later failed to fulfill his promise, prompting the victim to release the video online. Mr. Odongo confirmed he had disciplined the man but claimed the matter had been settled months earlier. He expressed surprise that the video had resurfaced and declined to give more details, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Superintendent of Police Patrick Jimmy Okema, North Kyoga regional spokesperson, said no report had reached his office at the time of the incident. He condemned the assault and expressed personal interest in the matter. He said he had asked the regional CID to begin inquiries.
In a separate development, Major General (Rtd) Kahinda Otafire, Minister of Internal Affairs, had issued a directive against corporal punishment in schools. In a letter dated May 2025, he urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest and prosecute any teacher or administrator who assaults learners. He warned that physical punishment remains illegal and punishable under the law.
Police spokesperson Mr. Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that authorities are pursuing the case. He assured the public that the school director would face legal consequences for the assault.
