In Makerere University, there always is a culture of debating issues by students; right from the formal debates held in the Main Building, to ‘bimeezas’ which are usually held in the halls of residence. In Mitchell Hall, there is a popular platform called The Think Tank, formerly known as The Table Of Men. Issues pertaining political and socio-economic affairs are usually discussed by the ‘common students’ with no need for formality.
On Sunday, a debate session dubbed ‘The Youth And Constitutional Affairs’, which had panelists from the NRM ruling party and the opposition attracted a big mayhem. Kitatta Ibrahim and Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha of NRM, who is also the IUIU Guild President; went toe-to-toe with FDC’s Iron Lady, Nyanjura Doreen and the intelligent legal mind and human rights activist, Andrew Karamagi.
The event went steadfastly, with a few students in the audience, who forewent the fun at the Main Grounds where the University Soccer Team was playing UCU, and must-watch Premier League matches. Depending the relentless rain which was falling, the audience wasn’t a small one, by a rough observation.
However, in Makerere it is never over till it’s over. About 80 minutes into the event, a group of boys, headed by FDC Makerere Chapter’s Ainebyona Ronald, stormed the stage, demanding the NRM Delegates from Kick Age Limits Out of the Constitution (KALOC); to vacate the premises at once, or else they beat them to pulp. The audience members tried to defend the panelists in vain, and had to let them leave.
“Even you our fellow Makerereans have betrayed us. How can you discuss with those NRM goons?” A furious Aine asked his fellow students who were part of the audience.
“We as the FDC MUK Chapter are ready to dialogue with only those that are for protection of the constitution. We shall spill blood and die if that’s what it takes.” The third year student of Bachelor of Laws warned.
The brains behind The Think Tank, Toko Godwin, who is former GRC Law School couldn’t hide his disappointment in his fellow students; challenging them to always give chance to intellectual discourse. The debate was called off and the NRM delegates were whisked away and things turned to normal. But this didn’t last long, as scary blasts were heard from the vicinity, which by the look of things were not tear gas canisters, but live bullets! Out of nowhere, students started scattering to their rooms, singing “Weewe… Eh Makerere oh yeah!” chants, while singing anthems.
Age limit debates were previously banned in universities, but since they can now happen, we await the wrath of the young intellectuals.
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