C-NEWS BUREAU CHIEF
KAMPALA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese District, Uganda, where 25 students were killed and an unspecified number were abducted. The attack occurred on the night of Friday, June 16, 2023, which coincided with the Day of the African Child.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, UNICEF demands the immediate release and safe return of the abducted learners. The organization extends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased students.
Munir Safieldin (Ph.D), UNICEF Representative to Uganda, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of schools as safe havens for all children. “We stand in solidarity with the students, the teaching staff, the school authorities, families impacted, and the people of Uganda in this sad moment,” said Safieldin.
He further emphasized, “Schools are a safe place for all learners and must never be attacked. We appeal to all those involved in the Friday attack to respect schools and the rights of every child to learn in a safe and protected environment.”
UNICEF’s condemnation of this heinous act underscores the organization’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of children in Uganda and around the world. The safety and security of children in educational settings are of paramount importance, and any act of violence against schools is a direct violation of the fundamental rights of children to access education.
The incident in Kasese serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the protection of educational institutions and the individuals within them. UNICEF urged the Ugandan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
UNICEF will continue to work closely with the Ugandan government, partners, and communities to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for all learners. Efforts will be intensified to provide psychosocial support to affected students and their families, as well as to strengthen security measures within schools, the statement said.
As the nation mourns the tragic loss of young lives, UNICEF calls on all stakeholders to join hands in safeguarding the future of Uganda’s children and ensuring that schools are respected as sanctuaries of learning and growth.