We have heard from Juma Siriwayo, the Director of Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School, that the disturbances that led to the death of 8 fathers from the school have abated.
Our first visit to see the proposed site for the new Katumba Parents’ School
It is now known that the men who died were not innocent bystanders in the troubles. They were actively involved in the attacks on a police and army post. The unrest was triggered by land disputes in the Bundibugyo and Kasese Districts. However, they are part of a long-running campaign to reunite the Bakonjo people whose historic tribal lands were separated when an arbitrary colonial border was drawn between the Congo and Uganda. The Katumba and Bundibugyo is a mixed community where people of different tribes peacefully co-exist. Most local people want peace and stability and believe that the young fighters were misled by a witchdoctor.
Nevertheless, the result for Katumba school is that 24 primary-age children no longer have anyone to pay their school fees. This is a challenge for the Humanist school, whose philosophy is to provide inclusive education based upon reason, compassion and tolerance.
We have known for some time that trouble was coming. Juma advised us, for our personal safety, to miss out Katumba on our last visit to Uganda. However, the school is working hard to create a better future for the children of a very deprived area and Juma has worked hard to promote a liberal Humanist philosophy through the school and on local radio. The funds that UHST supporters provide are making a real difference in very challenging circumstances. We intend to do our best to sustain Katumba Parents’ Primary School and hope that UHST supporters will work with us to ensure that the fatherless children complete their education.
Update on events around Katumba school
Posted: November 7, 2025 by Steve Hurd
We have heard from Juma Siriwayo, the Director of Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School, that the disturbances that led to the death of 8 fathers from the school have abated.
It is now known that the men who died were not innocent bystanders in the troubles. They were actively involved in the attacks on a police and army post. The unrest was triggered by land disputes in the Bundibugyo and Kasese Districts. However, they are part of a long-running campaign to reunite the Bakonjo people whose historic tribal lands were separated when an arbitrary colonial border was drawn between the Congo and Uganda. The Katumba and Bundibugyo is a mixed community where people of different tribes peacefully co-exist. Most local people want peace and stability and believe that the young fighters were misled by a witchdoctor.
Nevertheless, the result for Katumba school is that 24 primary-age children no longer have anyone to pay their school fees. This is a challenge for the Humanist school, whose philosophy is to provide inclusive education based upon reason, compassion and tolerance.
We have known for some time that trouble was coming. Juma advised us, for our personal safety, to miss out Katumba on our last visit to Uganda. However, the school is working hard to create a better future for the children of a very deprived area and Juma has worked hard to promote a liberal Humanist philosophy through the school and on local radio. The funds that UHST supporters provide are making a real difference in very challenging circumstances. We intend to do our best to sustain Katumba Parents’ Primary School and hope that UHST supporters will work with us to ensure that the fatherless children complete their education.
Category: News