Lira - A disturbing incident at King James School of Nursing and Midwifery in Lira has sparked national outrage and renewed discussions on abuse of authority within private educational institutions. The controversy centers on a viral video showing Mr. Dickson Odongo, the school’s Director, violently caning a clinical officer suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a nursing student.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, depicts Mr. Odongo administering a public flogging to the male health worker, who is alleged to be attached to Apac General Hospital. According to sources, the assault occurred in February 2025 but only came to light after the victim leaked the video following unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue privately.

Human rights organizations have condemned the act as a serious violation of personal dignity and due process. They are calling for Mr. Odongo’s immediate suspension and prosecution.

“What we see is not just misconduct; it’s a criminal act,” stated a prominent civic leader in Lira. “Assaulting someone, regardless of the circumstances, is never justified. There are legal procedures that must be followed.”

The incident reportedly arose after concerns were raised over a nursing trainee’s disappearance during her internship. Her father discovered that she was allegedly cohabiting with the clinical officer in Omodo Trading Centre, approximately 60 kilometers from Lira. The school administration subsequently traced and returned the two individuals to the institution, where the male clinical officer was subjected to public punishment.

Eyewitnesses indicate that the assault was meant as a warning to others; however, legal experts emphasize that Mr. Odongo lacked any legal authority to administer such punishment.

“Discipline within educational institutions must always comply with the law,” said Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS). “No individual or institution is above the Constitution. Mob justice and humiliation cannot be tolerated under the pretense of moral enforcement.”

The Uganda Law Society confirmed it is monitoring the case closely, while the Lira Regional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting an investigation. Uganda Police Force spokesperson Mr. Kituuma Rusoke told reporters that Mr. Odongo will be arrested and charged accordingly.

“We are treating this matter with the seriousness it warrants. The individual involved will be held accountable,” Rusoke affirmed.

Pressure is also mounting from civil society groups and professional bodies urging the Ministry of Education and the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council to take disciplinary action and launch an independent inquiry into the school’s governance and disciplinary mechanisms.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said a human rights defender based in Lira. “There is growing impunity in some private institutions where directors act as if they are above the law. This case must serve as a precedent.”

The victim, whose identity is being protected for security reasons, is reportedly pursuing legal recourse.

As investigations proceed, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked authority within institutions entrusted with the care, discipline, and dignity of students.