EDITOR—The Tuesday shooting of Makerere University students by a security guard is the latest in a series of unfortunate deaths that have occurred in Uganda in the past.

One wonders why these shootings continue to occur despite a call from the Government and stern action carried out on the offenders.

these shootings will not stop unless the Government takes sterner measures while registering and licensing security companies. The guards hired by these firms are usually ex-military or paramilitary personnel who most of the time have been dismissed from service for various reasons. Since they have a military background, they easily get jobs.

Do you expect such people to behave responsibly? Those with no prior military knowledge of handling small arms are usually trained for not more than a month. This time is not enough for anyone to get accustomed to a firearm and know how to handle it.

The companies are more interested in making money instead of hiring properly trained personnel. I was shocked to learn that the constable who shot and injured Bebe Cool and others had trained for only two months!

Such people cannot clearly comprehend and follow the rules of engagement when dealing with unarmed people. These issues must be addressed. I hope no more innocent lives will be lost.

Cedric M. Butare
Kampala