A section of students’ leaders of Makerere University have revealed that they are planning to resume with their strike against the 15% tuition increment. This was during a brief press conference that was held over the weekend when they officially defied the administration’s directive to return to class ahead of end of semester exams.
The leaders also announced that they are going to drag the university to court over the 15% tuition policy, failing to protect them and for their colleagues’ property that was destroyed by brutal armed forces from both UPDF and Police.
The students’ leaders headed by the Vice Guild President Judith Nalukwago said that they are continuing with the protests, since their demands have been ignored by the university administration. Nalukwago condemned those who announced that the demo has been called off while explaining that it cannot be called off by someone who didn’t start it.
“I condemn anyone who has gone out to media platforms and spoke assuming to be speaking on behalf of students that this demonstration has been called off. This is a students’ demonstration and they are the ones who have a right to call it off.” Nalukwago said before assuring that demo will resume.
“I am sure that students are going to continue with their demonstration till their demands are met.” She added.
Also present at the presser was Bonny Muwanguzi, the Guild Representative Councillor for the School of Law who called upon fellow students and leaders to attend a general assembly where the way forward will be announced today.
“We are calling the students’ body for a general assembly on Monday whereby we shall have a talk with students and the leaders on the way forward of this impasse.” Muwanguzi said.
Another leader that assured the continuation of the demonstration was the Marion Kirabo, the Minister of Gender who was also on the committee that suggested the 15% tuition increment in the previous guild leadership.
While speaking to the press, Kirabo revealed that as they wait for the guild president (Julius Kateregga) to recover from alleged torture wounds, they will continue with their cause.
“We thought that this cause is bigger than the guild president, this cause is about students. So while he recovers, we will continue with our cause because this is not about students’ leaders.” Kirabo revealed.
Through Joshua Katabazi, a Law scholar at Makerere University, the students’ leaders have also threatened to sue the university for failing to protect its students from security operatives as well as for the 15% tuition policy.
“We want to sue the university for failure to protect its own students, we want to sue the university for this policy that is oppressive, that was passed in a manner we are not happy with and we think it was improper.” Katabazi vowed.
