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There is a heavy presence of police personnel at Uganda’s oldest University, Makerere, in Kampala, ready to swat anticipated protests over poorly handled students’ guild elections. Tension is emanating from the draconian decision by Makerere University administration to disqualify two guild president candidates on accusations of holding unlawful assembly.
Margaret Natabbi who was running on the ticket of Uganda’s newest and most vibrant opposition political National Unity Platform- NUP and Sulaiman Namwoza an independent guild aspirant were disqualified in a dictatorial way since they were never accorded the chance to defend themselves against allegations of violating electoral rules.
Makerere University administration accuses the duo of holding a baraza meeting with electorates which turned into a scuffle living one student Robert Sserunjogi, a student from the College of natural sciences injured.
In response to the brutal decision, Natabbi and Namwoza accompanied by other students held a press briefing on Monday which was dispersed by police. Police arrested 10 students who were later released in the evening hours according to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire the deputy Kampala police spokesperson.
However, anger is boiling at Makerere as students are not contented with the draconian decision taken by the Makerere administration to disqualify the most loved candidates a move that has been viewed as creating a leeway for the ruling party NRM victory.
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Students are expected to hold massive protests and that fear has forced police to deploy in big numbers. ASP Owoyesigyire advised the students to use the available avenues within the university to resolve the standoff. However, the students and aspirants say the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe is not ready to listen to their grievances.
Other students who had been arrested with Natabbi and Namwoza include Isaac Byaruhanga and Arnold Muganga. Byaruhanga is a student of Medicine and Surgery while his colleague Muganga is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Drama, and Music. Xavier Dhubanji, who has been serving as Mitchell Hall custodian for allegedly holding an illegal presidential assembly was also suspended.
NUP President, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, has condemned the brutal arrest and qualification of the guild candidates. He described the University and police actions as intended to stifle voices of change.