Police have arrested 12 Senior One students following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a teenage boy being assaulted by a group of fellow teenagers in Nakibinge Zone, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala.
The suspects, all minors, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by police in the area on September 17 and 18, 2026, following investigations triggered by the widely circulated footage.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the prime suspect captured in the video punching the victim is aged 16, while the other suspects are aged between 14 and 17.
Police said the final arrests were made at approximately 2:00am on Friday, September 18, as officers closed in on the suspects in Nakibinge Zone.
The arrests have brought the number of suspects in custody to 12 as investigators work to establish what triggered the assault and determine the individual role played by each teenager.
ASSAULT CAPTURED ON CAMERA
Preliminary police findings indicate that the incident occurred on September 13 at about 6:00pm in Nakibinge Zone.
The footage subsequently circulated on social media appears to show a group of boys surrounding and assaulting their fellow teenager, prompting public concern and police intervention.
Police said the victim, who is also approximately 16 years old, is currently at his mother’s residence in the same locality, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The circumstances leading to the attack, including what happened before the assault and whether there were other factors involved, remain under investigation.
ALL SUSPECTS ARE STUDENTS
Police said all the suspects are Senior One students, with preliminary investigations establishing that none of them is an adult.
Their ages range from 14 to 17, meaning investigators and prosecutors will have to follow procedures applicable to juvenile offenders as the case progresses.
The suspects remain in police custody while detectives continue gathering evidence and establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police have not yet disclosed the identity of the victim or suspects.
POLICE ISSUE WARNING OVER VIOLENCE AMONG MINORS
Kampala Metropolitan Police condemned the assault, warning against violence and stressing the need to protect the safety and dignity of children and other vulnerable persons.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns acts of violence, particularly those involving minors,” police said in a statement issued by SP Kawala.
Police reiterated that anyone found to have participated in unlawful conduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law and the procedures governing juvenile offenders.
The case also highlights the growing role of social media footage in bringing alleged offences to the attention of law enforcement, with the video in this case triggering investigations that culminated in the arrest of all 12 suspects.
Police said further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
