Learning at Maranda High School has been suspended after the school administration ordered Form Four students to leave the institution following fresh unrest linked to a dormitory fire reported on Sunday evening.
The latest move came after the candidates staged protests on Monday afternoon, raising fears of further tension within the school.
According to Principal Edwin Namachanja, the decision to send the students home was reached in consultation with education officials as part of efforts to safeguard students and school property.
The unrest reportedly began during lunch hour when the Form Four students rejected meals served at the dining hall, broke plates and declined to attend afternoon lessons.
School sources indicated that some students also circulated written messages demanding to be released from school.
The administration is now considering sending Grade 10 students home as well, a move that could lead to the indefinite closure of the institution.
The developments follow a fire incident on Sunday evening in which the three-storey Owino “B” dormitory, occupied by Form Four students, was set ablaze.
The fire destroyed property of unknown value. Authorities suspect a section of Form Three students was behind the incident.
Earlier on Monday, the school released the rest of the Form Three class to prevent possible clashes between the two groups.
Police confirmed that 12 students were arrested while allegedly attempting to flee after the fire incident and spent the night in custody at Bondo Police Station.
Bondo Sub-County Police Commander Robert Aboki said investigators had obtained CCTV footage from two petrol stations in Bondo town believed to show six of the suspects purchasing fuel allegedly used to start the fire.
“The 12 students are expected to appear before the Bondo Law Courts on Tuesday to face arson-related charges after police were granted more time to complete investigations,” added Aboki .
