KAGADI UGANDA: Protests erupted at Katete Primary School in Kenga Parish, Kagadi Sub-county, Kagadi District, on Tuesday following an alleged religious conflict between Catholics and members of the Faith of Unity, locally known as Abobumu.
The government-aided school operates under the foundation of the Catholic Church.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 10:00 a.m. after a Reverend Father identified only as Rev. Fr. Johnsoco allegedly forced pupils, including non-Catholics, particularly those belonging to the Faith of Unity, to enter the church.
The situation initially appeared to calm down when only five pupils belonging to the Faith of Unity remained outside the church despite repeated warnings from the priest, who was preparing to lead a Mass dedicated to praying for candidates.
However, tensions escalated after the pupils reportedly mobilised their parents, who were working at a nearby Itambiro (place of worship), to intervene.
According to reports, some parents belonging to the Faith of Unity arrived at the school carrying pangas, slashers, spears, hammers and other objects that could be used as weapons. They reportedly wanted an explanation as to why their children were allegedly being forced to participate in Catholic prayers against their religious beliefs.
The parents argued that forcing pupils to participate in religious activities against their will was unacceptable.
CUE IN RESIDENTS ON THE INCIDENT
The school headteacher, Kabonesa Rose Mary Akiiki, confirmed the incident. She alleged that members of the Faith of Unity had come to the school intending to vandalise property, including the church building.
Kabonesa called for calm and condemned the reported acts of violence.
CUE IN KABONESA ON THE INCIDENT
Meanwhile, Omuhereza Tugume Aheebwa, a staunch member of the Faith of Unity, dismissed allegations that members of the religious group had arrived at the school carrying weapons.
Instead, he alleged that the problem had persisted for some time, with pupils reportedly being forced to participate in religious practices against their beliefs.
CUE IN TUGUME ON ALLEGED FORCED WORSHIP
The School Inspector for Buyaga East, Aganyira Alice Clare, also condemned the alleged practice of forcing pupils to participate in religious activities against their will.
She emphasised that every child has a right to education regardless of their religious affiliation or the foundation under which a school operates.
CUE IN AGANYIRA ON PUPILS’ RIGHT TO EDUCATION
The incident has raised concerns about religious tolerance, the rights of learners and the responsibility of school authorities to ensure that pupils from different religious backgrounds are treated fairly.
Waza buryashohera , neiwe orazirya. . It’s quite absurd to carry weapons against a religious person instead, you were supposed to thank him for showing them aright Way.
What is the meaning of this message