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.
Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School has been affected by a resurgence of the troubles of 2016, when 100 parents were killed in a local uprising. New unrest, in the past few weeks, in Bundibugyo and Kasese Districts, has left 8 Katumba Primary School parents dead. Their children are left without parental care and support and with nobody to provide for their food, shelter or schooling.
The assailants were armed with machetes, bows, arrows, and guns while dressed in civilian clothing. They were local young men, bearing grievances going back many years to colonial times, over land rights and autonomy. They were led by a witch doctor who offered them protection by giving them a “magic invincibility medicine”. They attacked police and army posts. However, as is always the case many innocent people were harmed, leaving severe loss of life and widespread suffering. Ugandan security forces killed 24 of the attackers and arrested 33 others.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the incident has caused deep emotional trauma among survivors, displacement of families, and a decline in community trust. The event has also placed additional strain on local authorities, social services, and humanitarian organizations in the area.
The school tries hard to create an island of reason and human kindness in a troubled area. At this difficult time, Katumba needs and would welcome additional support from Humanist well-wishers.
Katumba parents and children in happier times
The attacks represent an escalation in long-standing tensions associated with groups linked to the Rwenzururu movement. Their ultimate objective is the secession of a section of the Bakonzo ethnic group to create a separate Yiira Republic. The Ugandan government has consistently maintained that this goal is “impossible,” though it remains a key driver of the militia activity. The Bamba people, a minority group that lives mainly in the Bundibugyo area have been the target of violence because they strongly oppose the separatist scheme.
The Uganda government sought to appease the protests by giving greater autonomy to Kasese and Bundibugyo districts and conferring official recognition on the Rwenzururu Kingdom in 2009. Sadly, remaining disputes over land rights have led to the troubles rumbling on. They leave Katumba School, sitting in an area of instability, having to cope with the consequences of matters which are beyond their control.
Child reading to class in refurbished classroom at Muhokya Humanist Primary School, Kasese
We are immensely grateful to all supporters who contributed to our 2028 Sustainability Appeal. The appeal raised £87,707, which exceeded our target of £75,000. As you will see from the report the effects have enabled the Humanist school to make substantial forward strides.
In terms of infrastructure, most schools are well advanced in meeting the essential requirements of the Uganda Ministry of Education. They must meet the constantly rising Ministry standards if they are to pass their annual school inspections.
The schools really appreciate the help we all provide. It secures decent education for over 4,000 children.
We would like to extend a big thank you on behalf of the staff, children and families that look to the schools to provide a future for the new generation of needy children from impoverished communities.
Posted: November 7, 2025 by Steve Hurd
Update on events around Katumba school
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.
Posted: November 5, 2025 by Steve Hurd
Katumba school hit by local unrest
Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School has been affected by a resurgence of the troubles of 2016, when 100 parents were killed in a local uprising. New unrest, in the past few weeks, in Bundibugyo and Kasese Districts, has left 8 Katumba Primary School parents dead. Their children are left without parental care and support and with nobody to provide for their food, shelter or schooling.
The assailants were armed with machetes, bows, arrows, and guns while dressed in civilian clothing. They were local young men, bearing grievances going back many years to colonial times, over land rights and autonomy. They were led by a witch doctor who offered them protection by giving them a “magic invincibility medicine”. They attacked police and army posts. However, as is always the case many innocent people were harmed, leaving severe loss of life and widespread suffering. Ugandan security forces killed 24 of the attackers and arrested 33 others.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the incident has caused deep emotional trauma among survivors, displacement of families, and a decline in community trust. The event has also placed additional strain on local authorities, social services, and humanitarian organizations in the area.
The school tries hard to create an island of reason and human kindness in a troubled area. At this difficult time, Katumba needs and would welcome additional support from Humanist well-wishers.
The attacks represent an escalation in long-standing tensions associated with groups linked to the Rwenzururu movement. Their ultimate objective is the secession of a section of the Bakonzo ethnic group to create a separate Yiira Republic. The Ugandan government has consistently maintained that this goal is “impossible,” though it remains a key driver of the militia activity. The Bamba people, a minority group that lives mainly in the Bundibugyo area have been the target of violence because they strongly oppose the separatist scheme.
The Uganda government sought to appease the protests by giving greater autonomy to Kasese and Bundibugyo districts and conferring official recognition on the Rwenzururu Kingdom in 2009. Sadly, remaining disputes over land rights have led to the troubles rumbling on. They leave Katumba School, sitting in an area of instability, having to cope with the consequences of matters which are beyond their control.
Posted: October 3, 2025 by Steve Hurd
School sustainability progress
I am delighted to be able to present a report of the Humanist Schools Sustainability Programme.
We are immensely grateful to all supporters who contributed to our 2028 Sustainability Appeal. The appeal raised £87,707, which exceeded our target of £75,000. As you will see from the report the effects have enabled the Humanist school to make substantial forward strides.
In terms of infrastructure, most schools are well advanced in meeting the essential requirements of the Uganda Ministry of Education. They must meet the constantly rising Ministry standards if they are to pass their annual school inspections.
The schools really appreciate the help we all provide. It secures decent education for over 4,000 children.
We would like to extend a big thank you on behalf of the staff, children and families that look to the schools to provide a future for the new generation of needy children from impoverished communities.
Full report..