EDITOR—I am deeply saddened and outraged by the news of the killings of the two Makerere University students and the injury caused to one of them. I wish the surviving student a quick recovery.

I am shocked that students can have their prime life ended by those whom we expect to protect them and in an area that we deem to be safe for them. I call upon the university management to explain the circumstances under which they were shot.

The safety and security of students and staff at our institutions of learning should always be paramount. The state and the institutions must ensure that. I am also extremely disappointed by the political class who are turning the Guild elections in our universities campaign grounds for national politics.

I am particularly disturbed by Dr Kizza Besigye’s attempt to enter Makerere University to campaign for his party guild presidential candidate. It is unethical for mature politicians to interfere with students’ politics. These students must be allowed to conduct their politics free from any outside political influence since their elections and politics are unique to their own environment and interests.

The Guild was formed to provide a platform for these young leaders to develop their political skills but now we are eroding this by allowing and encouraging the local and national politicians to corrupt the students’ politics. This is very sad news indeed.

It is also wrong for the university administration to allow students to campaign on party tickets as this will promote division among students. As a former Guild and student leader, I feel my fellow students are being cheated of their opportunity to participate in free politics. I share in the outrage, sadness and grief with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones.

Abdallah W. Kassim
Nairobi