Arua City Council Bans Two Top Schools from Sports Over Hooliganism

Arua City, Uganda – Arua City Council has indefinitely banned Mvara Senior Secondary School and St. Joseph’s College Ombaci from participating in sports competitions following violent incidents linked to their students during the ongoing ballgame competitions.

The decision, announced by Arua City Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua, comes after students from the two schools engaged in violent clashes on Monday after one team won a match and advanced to the semifinals. The chaos, which erupted in the city center, forced security forces to intervene, with police firing teargas and bullets in the air to disperse the unruly crowds.

During the disorder, opportunistic criminals exploited the situation, snatching a motorcycle from a female rider and stealing a bag from a man containing two smartphones, cash, and other personal belongings.

While addressing the council at a budget approval meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Nyakua condemned the students' actions, holding both schools accountable for the public disorder and disruption of peace in the city.

“As a city council, we cannot tolerate such behavior. The actions of these students endangered lives and disrupted business. Until further notice, Mvara S.S. and St. Joseph’s College Ombaci are banned from participating in any sports competitions,” the mayor declared.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the move as necessary to curb indiscipline, while others argue it may unfairly punish the well-behaved students.

Authorities have also pledged to investigate the criminal activities that took place during the chaos and bring the perpetrators to justice.