Makerere in crackdown on 'hooliganism'

STRIKES

KAMPALA - Makerere University has said it has launched a crackdown on students engaging in what it calls acts of hooliganism and the alumni lurking on campus to instigate anarchy.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, prof. William Bazeyo, said the institution has established that, some alumni, who graduated several years ago, still access the campus and instigate strikes.

"We have suspended five students so far. Two of them were suspended on Tuesday and more maybe suspended.

"We shall not tolerate hooliganism and strikes. Makerere has to be an academic institution and not a battle ground," Bazeyo said during the launch of a scholarship scheme at the university in Kampala on Wednesday.

Set up by the Chinese embassy, the scholarship scheme will benefit 30 continuing students at the university for a year.

"We made decisions and they have to be implemented and the security agencies have been notified. We are also aware there are graduates who continue to stay on campus mobilising students to strike.

"This university should be occupied by students and staff. We have warned you. We are cleaning up the university."

Over the years, students have rocked the university with strikes and nearly brought it to its knees.

Most of the previous strikes have been set off by announcements from the university administration to increase tuition.

The students have responded to each tuition increment announcement with strikes, compelling the largest public university to shelve its plans.

However, the institution has revived its tuition increment plan, and is engaging its stakeholders over the same. Ends