By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 2146 EAT on Sunday 22 June 2025

At least four learners from Good Shepherd Primary and Secondary Schools in Luwero District were hospitalised on Thursday after police fired tear gas into the school compound while dispersing a protest over ongoing road construction.

The incident unfolded during a chaotic demonstration at Mawale Trading Centre in Makulubita Sub-county, where residents had gathered to protest against the dust pollution caused by ongoing works on the 23-kilometre Mawale–Masulita–Kakiri road.

The roadworks are being undertaken by Abubaker Technical Services, a local construction firm contracted for the project. According to Isaiah Lutalo, the Defence Secretary of Mawale village, the residents resorted to protest after repeated pleas to the contractor to suppress the dust went unanswered.

“The situation has become unbearable, especially for children and the elderly,” Lutalo said. He added that the problem has been exacerbated by a surge in heavy Sino truck traffic ferrying construction materials to Wakiso District, which passes directly through the affected communities.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, but in the process, canisters landed within the school compound, causing panic and respiratory complications among several pupils. Four were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment.

Local leaders have condemned the police response and called for urgent intervention from both the Ministry of Works and Transport and the contractor to address the dust hazard and prevent further unrest.

Lutalo said that several people have fallen sick with cough and flu, while others are eating food laced with dust.

According to Lutalo, the situation further escalated when protesters began beating motorists, burning tyres on the road, and demanding money from drivers. This prompted police from Bombo police station to intervene with tear gas.

“Unfortunately, during the process of dispersing protestors, policemen fired teargas canisters in the schools, hence injuring the learners,” he added.Best online courses.

Police intervened to disperse the demonstrators, firing tear gas canisters—some of which reportedly exploded inside the school compound.

Joseph Kakungulu, director of Good Shepherd schools, confirmed that four students were affected.

“The canisters exploded inside the compound, leaving four students two from Primary Seven, one from Primary Six, and one from Senior Four unconscious,” he said. The students were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

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