Makerere wants a perimeter wall to ensure security

By Francis Emorut                                   

Following the Kenya Garissa University College terrorism attack in which 148 people were killed, Makerere University Convocation has called upon Government to erect a perimeter wall around the campus to avert any terror intrusion.

Four terrorists stormed the university in Kenya and killed 142 students three police officers and three army officers in the deadliest attack since the 1998 American embassy bombing in which 200 people died.

"We are shocked with what happened during the Garissa terrorism attack where students lost lives and it should not happen here (in Makerere). We therefore, call upon government to build a perimeter wall to prevent such attacks," Dr. Tanga Odoi the chairman of Makerere University Convocation said.

The perimeter wall is about 30kms and according Odoi the cost would not be less than sh2b.

 "We need a perimeter wall to improve on security. Makerere has so many gates and therefore, we are prone to terrorism attacks," he added.

In a media briefing at Makerere Guest House on Thursday, Odoi recalled the attempts by the university administration to construct a perimeter wall in 2004/2005 at the cost of sh 2b but it collapsed because of using cheap materials.

Odoi alleged that the money was swindled then.

"The money was never accounted for," he said.

On the security of students who reside in hostels outside the campus, Odoi explained that security measures would be instituted to protect the students by ensuring that non-residence don't enter any hall or hostel.

"Nobody should be allowed to enter a hall/residence unless he/she is a resident," he said after the security detail has been put in place.


Dr. Tanga Odoi (left) talks to Spencer Sabiiti a member of the committee after addressing a press conference


He called upon his executives to stop bickering and start work until their term expires in 2019.

The new committee came into office in April 2, after successful election on March 28 to which Western Youth M,P Gerald Karuhanga contested the results and has threatened to go the court.

Justus Nuwajuna the convocation treasurer said his committee is to to collect a database of 2 million Makerere University alumni across the country to help raise funds to support the venture of creating employment.

"We are going to create a database for all Makerere University alumni to support the creation of employment bureau and Human resource clinic," Nuwajuna said.

The media conference was also addressed by the members of the convocation committee who include Dennis Namara, Deus Muhwezi, Bazilio Kamya, Faith Kirungi, Juliet Nakalema, Richard Olando and Spencer Sabiiti.

Namara who is the national youth NRM chairman and also a Presidential advisor on youth affairs assured the committee that he is going to use his connection to mobilise support for the convocation Ettofali project.

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