Demons 'possess' Ugandan kids

2008-02-05 14:22

Kampala - More than 100 students in a western Ugandan school become possessed by demonic spirits, Uganda's state-run newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The New Vision said that authorities at Sir Tito Winyi Primary School in the western district Hoima described the "hysterical" students as suffering from a demonic attack.

"The situation is bad. About 100 pupils are totally mad. They are chasing everybody including teachers and fellow pupils, throwing stones, banging doors and windows," the paper quoted headmaster Vincent Kitende as saying.

Kitende said that a similar incident took place at the school late last year, affecting more than 200 students that time, according to the paper.

He said: "We do not know what to do. On Sunday, we held special prayers before the pupils reported and assured parents to send their children, knowing there was no cause for alarm. But here we are in a bad situation again."

Hundreds of parents came to collect their children from the school. Last year, four Hoima residents were arrested for casting a spell on the school, the paper reported.

Belief in witchcraft was common in some parts of Uganda, particularly in deeply religious areas.

- AFP