KAMPALA — A viral video allegedly showing students from Kampala High School participating in a so-called “boyfriend challenge” has triggered widespread public debate about student behaviour, parental responsibility, and the role of schools in guiding young people.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media platform X, captures a group of students discussing relationships, including boyfriends, sexual activity, and references to contraceptives. Its rapid spread has drawn mixed reactions from parents, educators, and public figures.
Media personality Douglas Lwanga expressed concern about the implications of the video, particularly for parents.
“This is so heartbreaking, a parent watching this struggling to clear school fees so the child can be at school is going to be so hurt,” he wrote.
Other users, including journalist Gabriel Buule, called for attention from authorities and parents, highlighting concerns about student discipline and exposure to sensitive topics at a young age.
“Dear Parents, this is Kampala High School students carrying out a boyfriend challenge,” Buule posted, tagging relevant authorities.
The incident has reignited broader conversations about the influence of social media trends among teenagers and the need for comprehensive guidance on relationships and personal responsibility.
Education stakeholders say such incidents underscore the importance of open communication between parents, schools, and students, particularly on topics related to adolescence and decision-making.
While some members of the public have condemned the behaviour captured in the video, others argue it reflects deeper societal issues, including gaps in sexual education and supervision both at home and in school environments.
By press time, there had been no official statement from school authorities or the Ministry of Education regarding the incident. However, observers expect that the matter could prompt further scrutiny and possible intervention from education regulators.
As discussions continue online, the video has become a flashpoint for debate over how best to balance discipline, education, and guidance for Uganda’s young people in an increasingly digital world.
