The Ministry of Education has denied allegations that it stopped Butere Girls High School from performing their controversial play ‘Echoes of War’.
Speaking on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the afternoon, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba stated that the students voluntarily declined to perform and instead resorted to chanting former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
According to the CS, a while after their arrival, the students began chanting Malala’s name, demanding his release by the police officers.
Ogamba also expressed concerns about the learners’ motives behind the chants and further questioned whether Malala was their teacher and needed to be there.
“Malala is not a teacher in Butere, he is not a director in Butere, and he is not a director of the play. So the students, of their own volition, decided not to participate. I am here with you. Right. Once I get the details. I will be able to answer” he said.
The refusal to perform the play had raised concerns and outrage among the public.
His remarks followed hours after the students refused to perform the play and instead sang the national anthem and then walked out.
As they walked away, police intervened and disbursed the crowd surrounding the students, which made the pelt teargas canisters at the crowd.
