Saasi Marvin & Davis Kawalya
Six students of Nkumba University, Jonathan Kirumira, Twesigye Nickson, Esomu Simon Peter, Byansi Henry, Beinomugisha Charles and Mubiru Isa have dragged Nkumba University to court on grounds of unfair trial.
The students led by Jonathan Kirumira, have petitioned the High Court seeking for an interim injunction against the University’s decision to suspend them for one semester. The interim order also protects their rights and identity as Nkumba University students throughout this whole investigation.
The students represented by M/s Oasis Advocates contend that it is against the principles of natural justice to halt their studies for a full semester without being heard by an independent and impartial tribunal. They have petitioned court seeking for an order of certiorari to quash their suspension because they were never accorded an opportunity to defend themselves before they got suspended.
Fellow students have shown support all over on social media. Barteh Ron Marq says, “Tell them, they don’t know. They are not supposed to violate people’s rights & freedom of expression. Human rights are absolute & inherent.”
Following a three-day strike in which students protested against the increase on missed paper fees and late registration charge, among others that led to the closure of the university on 19th December 2014, these students were netted and handed indefinite suspension letters by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Hannington Ssengendo.
The High Court has set 21st January 2015 as the date on which their petition will be heard by Judge Yasin Nyanzi.
