Uganda: Nine Students Arrested Over Theft Of Watermelons

Nine students of Lira Town College in Lira City, Uganda are under custody at Lira Central Police Station on charges of theft of watermelons while 22 other students also involved in the theft are still at large. 

The crime was allegedly committed during the early hours of Wednesday by the suspects and 21 other students who are still at large.

According to reports, the students stole watermelons from various stands along the roadsides early on Wednesday before smashing the fruits for consumption on the tarmac.

"30 students, mainly those in lower secondary classes, escaped from school purportedly to watch the ongoing Post-Primary Football tournament at the nearby Lira Army Primary School playground," school authorities told Monitor, an Uganda news media on Wednesday. 

Police have been sent to Lira Town College, according to head teacher Sophie Rose Acen, to look for the 21 students who are still on the run. 

“About 30 students left the school around 5 am, they did without the school's permission. 

"We did the roll call at around 8 am and we have identified the students who went out,” she disclosed.

“As I talk now, nine of them have been arrested by the police,” Acen confirmed. 

The head teacher stated that the at-fault students' parents or guardians will be required to pay the watermelon owners' legal fees.

Principal Education Officer for Lira City, Dr Jaspher Abura, expressed regret for the incident.

“How can they escape from school and start destroying people’s watermelons which were displayed on the roadsides for sale? That is criminality and escaping from school is indiscipline,” he observed. 

He also stated that they have written to all secondary schools in the city informing them that no student, except the players and game masters, will be allowed to watch the ongoing Post-Primary Football tournament.