Kyambogo University has officially dismissed its Guild President, Benjamin Akiso, following his involvement in a student protest that turned chaotic and led to his arrest. The university confirmed the decision after Akiso appeared before a disciplinary committee over his role in leading a demonstration on April 23, 2025.
The protest, which saw hundreds of students march across the campus, was sparked by two key grievances: a UGX 50,000 penalty for late registration and ongoing frustrations over missing academic results on the university portal. Akiso, seen at the forefront of the demonstration, accused the administration of pushing policies that disadvantaged students from low-income families.
Police responded with force, deploying teargas and firing live bullets to disperse the students. More than ten were arrested, including Akiso, who was taken to Jinja Road Police Station and later charged with incitement and unlawful assembly. He spent several days in detention before returning to face university disciplinary proceedings.
While the university cited violations of student conduct as the basis for Akiso’s dismissal, critics argue the move is politically motivated. His supporters claim he was targeted for challenging the administration and for being vocal on issues that affect the student body.
“Benjamin stood up for what many students believe in,” said one third-year student who asked not to be named. “Now he’s being punished for it. This sets a dangerous precedent.”
In a statement, the university acknowledged students’ concerns but defended its policies, noting that the registration fine was introduced after consultations, and that delays in releasing results were due to ongoing upgrades to the academic records system.
Akiso’s removal has triggered debate not just within Kyambogo but across Uganda’s higher education landscape, where a number of student leaders have faced suspensions or legal charges in recent months for taking similar stands. The pattern is raising alarms among human rights advocates about the shrinking space for student activism.
“The message being sent is clear: if you speak out, you risk your position, your education, or worse,” said an activist with a Kampala-based civil liberties group.
As the university moves forward without its elected Guild President, questions remain about whether student representation is being stifled—and what the fallout will be for future leaders who dare to speak out.
