All is not well at Makerere University, Uganda’s premier higher learning institution, after a decision by Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe to suspend students attracted a dramatic response.
It all started when VC Prof Nawangwe suspended three students belonging to the National Unity Platform (NUP) and interested in running for guild president on the opposition party’s ticket.
Edrine Price Bbosa, Calvin Mwesigwa Mugambwa and his campaign manager Roy Rugumayo, and Kenneth Katushabe were suspended until further notice for flouting Rule 9(b) of the university rules and regulations which bars students from engaging in activities likely to cause breach of peace.
These activities include: mounting road blocks, stopping motorists, inciting other students for unlawful action, using unacceptable language, forcing other students out of lecture rooms, dressing in a provocative manner, extorting funds, inciting violence and throwing stones and other objects targeting persons, vehicles and buildings.
Hours after Nawangwe suspended these students, a group of concerned students issued a statement saying they had suspended Nawangwe.
Below is their statement:
We have noted with concern that you have continued to misuse your office by acting contrary to the rule of law due to your selfish interests.
While Article 29(d) of the constitution of Uganda which is the supreme law of the land and the university rules and regulations give students the freedom to assemble and to demonstrate, you have continuously suppressed this.
Well knowing that you are the master of this trade, for you used demonstration tactics to unseat your predecessor, you have used suspensions to intimidate and scare students that don’t side with you.
We have once again received disturbing news that you have suspended some of our colleagues on grounds that they breached rule 9(b) of the university rules and regulations.
Rule 9(b) of the university rules and regulations says that no student or group of students shall engage in activities likely to cause breach of peace such as: mounting road blocks, stopping motorists, inciting other students for unlawful action, using offensive or profane language, forcing other students out of lecture rooms, dressing in a provocative manner, extorting funds, inciting violence and throwing stones and other objects targeting persons, vehicles and buildings.
We bring it to your attention that none of the suspended students involved themselves in any of the acts mentioned in rule 9(b). The students peacefully moved to the freedom square to attend a general assembly which was organized by the Makerere University National Unity Platform chapter.
However, these were welcomed by your brutal forces that beat them up, arrested and detained them at Makerere University police station. Police opened arms at peaceful armless students.
We therefore question the criteria used to suspended the involved students. If the general assembly was illegal as you claim, why not pelt cast blame on the organizers who you well know.
Such acts are irrational and unexpected of a man endowed with an intellectual capacity as yours.
By the power vetted into us by Article 1(1) of the constitution of Uganda, we hereby suspend you from the office of the vice chancellor until further notice. We therefore recommend that you use this time on suspension to read and regain your lost wisdom.
This drama came days after security fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse the NUP General Assembly at Makerere University. (Read Story Here).
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