Makerere University has launched an investigation into the conduct of a second-semester law exam that included a parody of the Speaker of Parliament, raising concerns about its appropriateness.
Sources reveal that Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe recently sought guidance from the University Senate regarding the use of a satirical essay in the exam, which has sparked significant concern.
Dr. Ronald Naluwairo, Principal of the School of Law, acknowledged these concerns but defended the integrity of the exam for the course unit L1210 – Principles of Constitutional Law II, taken by first-year students on May 11. He described the directive to investigate the exam as an “onslaught on academic freedom” and “retrogressive.”
The ethical grounding of the examination has not been officially challenged, but concerns have reached both Prof. Nawangwe and Dr. Naluwairo. In a statement to Dr. Naluwairo, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized, “Telling you to investigate is not an infringement on your academic freedom. You must moderate your exams.”
However, Dr. Naluwairo insisted that the directive was unwarranted, arguing that the exams had already met required standards. “The only standard required of the examinations is that they are moderated, and this was met,” Dr. Naluwairo reportedly told VC Nawangwe in his report. “The School of Law stands by its examination as ethical, adequate, and meeting the standards of Makerere University.”
The controversial exam featured a satirical essay about Speaker Anita Among responding to recent UK government sanctions. The essay depicted her introducing a fictitious “Anti-Social Media and Other Imperialist Agents Bill” to counteract criticisms.
“Stung by the recent sanctions imposed against her by the government of the United Kingdom (UK) and the social media criticism which followed, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has decided to fight back against those ‘writing malicious reports’ about her,” the essay stated.
The parody included provisions such as banning adverse comments about the Speaker and empowering her to recommend prosecutions. The essay humorously depicted exchanges between the Speaker and other political figures, including President Museveni, who suggested amendments before assenting to the Bill.
Students were tasked with discussing constitutional law issues raised in the essay and critically assessing the implications of directives like the President’s on the rule of law, democratic governance, and constitutionalism.
Dr. Naluwairo maintains that the exam adhered to academic standards and reflected the School of Law’s commitment to robust and ethical education. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to examine the balance between academic freedom and appropriate conduct in examinations.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Campus Bee.
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