Ugandan police have launched an investigation into a viral video showing a school director publicly beating a man and a female student, allegedly over a romantic relationship between the two.
The footage, under two minutes long, was filmed at King James School of Nursing and Midwifery in Lira. It shows the school’s director, Mr Dickson Odongo, flogging a man—reportedly a clinical officer at Apac General Hospital—and a female student in front of fellow students. The incident, which occurred in February 2025, resurfaced on social media in late July, prompting widespread outrage and police interest.
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Police say the victim was allegedly in a relationship with the nursing student during her practical attachment at the hospital. The matter reportedly escalated after the student’s father attempted to pay her tuition balance and was informed she had been assigned to the hospital. Upon traveling to Apac and failing to find her there, he returned to the school to raise concern. Rumours eventually led to the discovery of the student and the clinical officer cohabiting at a nearby trading centre.
The school director reportedly brought the man back to campus, where he was beaten in public as a warning against inappropriate relationships at the institution. The video shows students watching in silence as the punishment is carried out.
Speaking to local media, an unnamed source claimed the school was concerned about the impact such incidents might have on its reputation, while also acknowledging that taking the law into one’s hands is not justified.
After realising the assault could have legal consequences, Mr Odongo reportedly approached the victim, apologised, and agreed to offer financial compensation. However, the director allegedly failed to honour the full agreement, prompting the man to release the video online.
Mr Odongo admitted to disciplining the man but said the matter had been settled months ago. “I was shocked to see the video again. I cannot go into detail because the police are now involved,” he said.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said he had not previously been aware of the case but expressed concern over the footage. “You can’t beat a fellow man like that. I’m following it up with the regional CID,” he said.
Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, had earlier called for the arrest and prosecution of any teachers or school staff engaging in corporal punishment. In a letter dated May 2025, the minister condemned continued reports of physical assault in schools despite a national ban on caning.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Mr Kituuma Rusoke confirmed on July 28 that law enforcement had taken interest in the case and vowed that the individual involved would face assault charges.
Corporal punishment in schools remains a criminal offense under Ugandan law.
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