A disturbing video from Uganda has reignited the debate on corporal punishment in schools. The footage shows two teachers mercilessly flogging a student while he lay on the floor, with one of them delivering additional slaps when the student struggled to his feet in pain.
The viral clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Commissioner Maureen Atuhaire of the Ugandan Police Force’s Children and Family Protection Department. In her post, she condemned the act, emphasizing that corporal punishment is illegal under Uganda’s Children Act (Amended) 2016, Section 106A.
She further stated that a case of torture had been opened at Ntungamo CPS, and efforts were being made to arrest the suspects. Later, she confirmed that the teachers were in police custody awaiting prosecution.
This incident emerges at a time when Ghana is dealing with its own concerns about student discipline, following the recent Accra Academy machete incident. Some voices have called for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools, arguing that stricter discipline is needed.
However, this Ugandan case serves as a stark reminder of how power can be abused when teachers are given unchecked authority.
With such incidents in mind, the real question remains: how should young adults be disciplined without resorting to violence? The conversation continues.
