No more freedom at Makerere Freedom Square

KAMPALA -It is arguably the most popular spot at the Ivory Tower. It is frequented by university students for various functions, both public and private.

However, the freedom to assemble at the freedom square is no more.

Makerere University has fenced off the freedom square giving a deaf ear to the student's leadership and alumni say that objects the deed.

The area in question is a recreational ground which sits amidst the university's administrative block, university main building, university main library and the school of social sciences.

This is the symbol of the university's mighty as it stands out of the above many universities in East Africa besides having the freedom square as the unique feature for the student's independence and liberty.

The square has been under use for various university activities like conferences, graduation, and other programs plus an open area for students to dialogue and socialise.

There's a move to beautify the campus premises a project contracted by a Chinese firm, Prime Media Network that started in December last year including seven major roundabouts and the Freedom square.

According to Julius Mukasa, the supervisor of the project, the time to when the entire project will reach its tail end is unpredictable as it will require more time for maintenance of the whole scheme.

"The project is big and things to do with beauty, you don't rush. We have to continue with maintenance activities like fumigation and weeding after planting. So I cannot assure you about the exact time this project will end," Mukasa said.

With the move to beautify the premises, it has met opposition from both the student leadership and alumni grounding on reasons that it declines its inceptive description of freedom and dilutes its historic heritage.

Julius Katerega, guild president MAK noted that the move to fence Freedom square was taken up by the management which he blames never alerted the stakeholders.

"The management has to explain to the stakeholders before procession of such activities to find out if people have any issues to raise over the matter", Katerega said.

He noted that he wrote a letter to the administration as a result of student tension on the same concern.

As the university moves closer to celebrating 100 years which will make it a heritage area, Katerega said the Freedom Square should be left the way it has been in the past as it is also the stand of students.

His concern is that neither students nor stakeholders' views were put under consideration in the move to fence off the square.

The few members of the academia that I have talked with, say that it should be maintained because the square is a symbol of freedom, academic freedoms, and the contribution of MAK in the struggle for a better nation.

When we say that the students of MAK fought against colonialism, the square is the symbol.

What others say

Lucy Kiiza, a third-year student at MAK

"This is a total dilemma because it will become so hard to access the grounds because they have been used for academic discussions, and the university should come up with resolutions".

Shanice the Deputy Speaker 85th guild at MAK

"My worry comes in if anyway access to the freedom square begins to be limited as this will lose the meaning of its purpose".

Julius Katerega the guild President at MAK

"The freedom square should be left the way it is and they will be determined to protect the image of the freedom square by applying other means".