Makerere University students are facing potential dismissal for allegedly planning demonstrations against a tuition fee increase. The vice chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, issued warning letters to nine student leaders and other learners based on allegations of a planned meeting to organise the protests.
Prof Barnabas Nawangwe claims the meeting, which allegedly took place on September 9th at 1am, violated university regulations. He stated that the university is banning all meetings until further notice and warned of severe consequences for violating the 2015 University Rules and Regulations.
However, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, the Makerere University guild president, criticised the letters, calling them “absurd” and based on “unfounded allegations and hearsay”. He argued that Nawangwe’s actions violate the principles of natural justice enshrined in the Ugandan constitution.
Nsamba further stated that some individuals targeted by the letters were not present at the alleged meeting and demanded their retraction until sufficient evidence is presented. This followed the call for a scrutinized check before any warning letters are issued by the university administration.
This incident follows closely on the heels of student demonstrations at Kyambogo University against a 50% tuition fee hike. The protests led to the arrest of 13 students by police who were later on released on bail.
The situation at Makerere University highlights the growing tension between students and university administrations in Uganda over rising tuition fees. This is not the first time this is happening, the oldest university has been facing numerous tuition increment strikes.
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These actually are the ones that gave birth to some rules like the 2015 University Rules and Regulations and more, just to curb the raising of future strikes and protests. Until now, the administration has not addressed the issue that is fueling a possible strike but rather convict some Makerere University students with warnings.
