School Director Arrested for Holding Pupils Over Fees Dispute

Police in Nsangi have arrested the director of Pamvil Primary School, accused of unlawfully detaining two pupils without food or water for several days in a row over unpaid school fees.

The suspect, Ntalo Pamella, 46, was apprehended together with two teachers following the incident, which unfolded shortly after the school closed for holidays on August 9, 2025.

According to preliminary police findings, Pamella allegedly refused to release the children until their parents cleared a Shs 1.5 million school fees balance.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango said the parents had pleaded with the school director to let the children go, promising to settle the fees before the next term.

Instead, Pamella is accused of demanding an additional Shs 20,000 per child for each day they remained in her custody.

“The parents reported the matter to the Child and Family Protection Unit in Nsangi. When our officer in charge intervened, the suspect still refused to release the children. Our officers then proceeded to the school, rescued the victims, and arrested the director along with two teachers who were hostile and obstructed police operations,” Onyango said.

Police have since registered a case of unlawful confinement. Statements from all parties are being recorded as investigations continue.