Seven students were injured after a confrontation between students and youths from Agweng Trading Centre escalated into violence at the school on Sunday night.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
APAC, Uganda – Police in Apac District have arrested 11 suspects following a violent clash between students of Apac Seed Secondary School and local youths from Agweng Trading Centre, an incident that left seven students injured on the night of April 5, 2026.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, preliminary investigations indicate that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between students and local youths earlier in the evening.
Disagreement at Trading Centre
Police say the school had organized a talent show and musical dance within the school premises earlier in the day. While some students remained at school for the event, others reportedly moved to Agweng Trading Centre, which borders the school, for leisure activities.
It is alleged that while at the trading centre, a disagreement involving girls sparked a physical fight between students and local youths. The students later retreated back to the school.
However, the youths allegedly mobilized themselves and armed with pangas and knives before following the students to the school premises.
Violent Confrontation at School
Police say the group encountered students near a small gate adjacent to the girls’ dormitories, where a violent confrontation ensued, leaving seven students injured, two of them seriously.
The injured students have been identified as:
- Ojok Ivan Okabo, 20, Senior Four
- Alele Jonathan, 17, Senior Three
- Oyile Jonathan, 19, Senior Four
- Ocen Sam, 20, Senior Four
- Awany Bruce, 19, Senior Four
- Odongo Ronald, 18, Senior Three
- Odur Bonny, 19, Senior Four
Police officers from Apac Central Police Station (CPS) responded following a distress call received at about 1:30 am and transported the injured students to Apac Main Hospital.
Authorities say six of the victims have since been treated and discharged, while Awany Bruce remains admitted.
Arrests and Exhibits Recovered
A joint security team led by Apac Resident District Commissioner Andrew Onyuk, alongside other district security officials, later visited and examined the scene as investigations intensified.
Police confirmed that 11 suspects, nine males and two females, were arrested in connection with the incident.
According to police, four suspects were positively identified by the victims, while two others were found with visible injuries consistent with participation in the assault.
Security teams also recovered several exhibits from the operation, including:
- Two knives
- One Tecno smartphone
- One Samsung smartphone
- Three shoes believed to have been left at the scene
Further operations at the residence of one suspect, Beja Walter, led to the recovery of approximately one kilogram of suspected marijuana and packets of kuber.
Retired Soldier Arrested for Impersonation
Police also arrested Odongo Vincent, a retired UPDF Staff Sergeant, who was allegedly impersonating a retired Major.
A search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of UPDF Major rank insignia (pips), an S/Sgt chevron, three warm suit jackets, and a discharge certificate.
Police Clarify Nature of Incident
Police say preliminary investigations show that the incident was not a targeted attack on the school, but rather a retaliatory confrontation arising from a conflict between students and local youths at a disco in Agweng Trading Centre.
The police have condemned acts of violence and warned members of the public, especially young people, against engaging in criminal activities.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated following new findings from police investigations clarifying that the incident involved a clash between students and local youths, rather than an isolated criminal attack.
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