Makerere Business School (MUBS) was plunged into chaos on Friday evening as police reportedly brutalized a student identified as Abdallah Mukama, leaving him critically injured.
The incident unfolded during a student protest against the alleged illegal detention of Juma Wasswa Balunywa (JWB), a hopeful candidate for the 2024 Guild president position. The protests escalated on Friday, which was the nomination day for Guild president candidates. JWB’s absence from the list of nominees triggered outrage among students, leading to a demonstration that spiraled into violence.
Juma Wasswa Balunywa was temporarily held at Jinja Road Police Station before being released, as the situation at the MUBS campus gradually calmed. However, the aftermath of the protests revealed a trail of destruction, with reports of vandalized property, including the Principal’s car, and numerous students suffering injuries from beatings and tear gas.
In a circulating video on social media, Christopher Wasswa, the current Guild President of MUBS, issued a stern warning to the school administration regarding the escalating tensions. He demanded that the medical bills for Abdallah Mukama be settled promptly, citing Mukama’s critical condition due to internal bleeding allegedly caused by the police brutality.
Wasswa also named the police officer allegedly responsible for Mukama’s injuries, identified as Musinguzi, urging that immediate action be taken against him by Monday. He cautioned that failure to hold the officer accountable would result in consequences beyond what the police and MUBS administration could anticipate.
“Students demand that the administration covers the medical expenses for Abdallah Mukama. I am their voice, and I have spoken. If you ignore this plea today, you will bear the consequences. Afande Musinguzi assaulted our student,” warned Christopher Wasswa in the video.
Furthermore, Wasswa hinted at a gathering of students at the campus on Monday, suggesting that they will make their voices heard. “…and they have promised that come Monday, the students are going to show who a real Makereranian is. We are not making threats; on Monday, they are coming,” emphasized Wasswa.
