Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale city has refuted allegations that it banned the Scripture Union and issued warnings to Christian students to forcefully embrace Islam. Instead, the school clarified that it has only regulated prayer times.
Speaking at the school, Mr. Osillo Jimmy, a teacher and member of the disciplinary committee, stated, “It’s not true, just propaganda. We didn’t ban them but only regulated the time for prayers during school days.”
“The disciplinary committee decided that students could pray individually during lunchtime but not in congregation. This measure was introduced to control indiscipline, as some students were misusing prayer times to misbehave or hide in the mosque and other SU facility without actually praying.
Mr. Osillo added, “We said during lunchtime, students should go for lunch instead of spending time in prayers. The new regulations apply to all students, including Muslims, with designated prayer times for everyone.”
In an interview with Bugisu Intellectual Reporter, Mr. Mulabi Patrick, the patron of the Scripture Union at Nkoma SS, emphasized that the allegations were intended to tarnish the institution’s name.
He acknowledged that the spiritual activities are beneficial for many students, particularly those from slum areas, but confirmed the need for regulations to prevent misuse.
Mr. Mulabi stated, “The disciplinary committee agreed to put regulations but not a ban.”
Other teachers and leaders at Nkoma SS also supported this stance. Magombe Edwin, leader of the Seventh-day Adventists at the school, mentioned that the school administration facilitates transportation for students to attend church services on Saturdays and Sundays.
Similarly, Protestant teacher Mafabi Beatrice expressed gratitude for the school’s support in taking students to prayers every Sunday.
Mr. Ndada Okechi, a long-serving teacher and head of games and sports, noted, “When I saw the article, I asked my colleagues which type of propaganda this was. Nkoma SS has not banned us Christianity at school.”
Shipanga Michael, head of CRE/Divinity at Nkoma SS, reiterated that the school provides transport for students to attend various religious services, highlighting the support given to all faiths. He dismissed the allegations as propaganda.
The consensus among the staff at Nkoma Secondary School is clear: the institution has not banned any form of Christian prayer and forcefully asking them to embrace Islam, and the claims circulating on social media are unfounded.