Yesterday 7th February 2022, Makerere University management suspended three students on grounds of bullying first-year students.
This came after first year students had only spent a week at the ivory tower having reported on Monday 31st January 2022. However, these have encountered several cases of bullying and assault from continuing students, both in their places of residence and on campus. This prompted these students to seek for protection from the university administrators who came to their rescue.
According to some of the first year students at Makerere, many of their colleagues have been forced to attend morning joggings, participating in funny hostel games among other activities.
After collection of evidence from hostels, three continuing students from hostels within campus were identified. These were part of the group that bullies first year students and forces them into unlawful actions such as inciting violence.
Makerere University Public Relations officer Ms. Ritah Namisango confirmed the suspension of the culprits and emphasized that Makerere University doesn’t entertain bullying of any kind.
“University re-affirms zero tolerance to bullying, physical assault and destruction of property. The culture of bullying, forced jogging, physical assault and destruction of university property is unacceptable,’’ She affirmed.
While addressing the media, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said that more students who are engaging in activities of bullying their fellow students and those destroying University property will be suspended from the institution.
It should be remembered that in 2019, Makerere University administration banned Saturday morning exercises which involved harassment of student’s especially first year students. This was practiced in halls of residence like Nkrumah, Lumumba and Mitchel.
