Police in Jinja are investigating the headteacher of St. Gonzaga Senior Secondary School, Anna Nanziri, following allegations that she facilitated the sexual exploitation of female students by a Senior Six student at the school.
The allegations were raised through formal complaints submitted to Jinja district authorities and the Kiira Regional Police Command.
According to the complaints, a 20-year-old male Senior Six student allegedly selected two female students every Friday evening, after which Nanziri would reportedly drive them to her residence in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District.
The students allegedly spent the weekend at the residence before returning to school on Monday.
The precise nature of the relationship between the headteacher and the male student remains unclear, according to the report. However, preliminary inquiries reportedly found that several students and teachers described the pair as having an unusually close relationship at school.
Nanziri is also alleged to have left her house keys with the student before travelling to Kampala, allowing him to remain at the residence with the girls.
Eight students reportedly come forward
District authorities say at least eight girls have so far presented related complaints.
According to accounts submitted to investigators, the arrangement initially involved the male student inviting girls to spend weekends at Nanziri’s home. Allegations of sexual exploitation later emerged.
Some of the girls reportedly told investigators that the student pressured them into sexual acts by claiming that he had a medical condition that could only be cured through sexual intercourse.
Other students allegedly said those who attempted to complain were threatened with suspension or expulsion, creating fear and discouraging further reporting.
One alleged victim reportedly told her mother about her experience earlier this month. The mother initially took no action but later contacted authorities after another parent reported a similar allegation.
Victims seek psychological support
The students who have come forward have reportedly asked authorities for psychological support, saying the experiences have left them traumatised and suffering from nightmares.
They have also called for justice and urged investigators to handle the matter sensitively, citing fears of speaking openly about their experiences.
Jinja District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Hussein Malunda confirmed that the district probation team has been engaging with the girls who filed complaints.
Malunda said the findings from the team’s engagements had been handed over to police, who are continuing with investigations before the matter is referred to court.
Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi declined to provide details, saying the investigation is still at an early stage.
However, a detective familiar with the inquiry confirmed that statements have been recorded from the alleged victims, Nanziri and other relevant parties.
The allegations have not been proved in court, and investigations are ongoing.
