Makerere University cancels Muslim youth seminar over Mbabazi, Lukwago

By Farooq Kasule

The Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of finance, Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe cancelled a seminar organized by the Muslim Youth Development Platform (MYDP) for inviting Amama Mbabazi and Elias Lukwago.

Nawangwe accused the organizers of having breached the agreement and went ahead to invite extra speakers without informing the university.

Lukwago, who had come early, was denied entrance to the University and Mbabazi was reportedly under house arrest.

According to a letter issued by the University management, the organizers tricked management and invited more speakers at the function.

The seminar was organized under a theme: “The role of a Muslim youth in shaping Uganda’s Political future."

Expected speakers included: Kyadondo East MP, Ibrahim Ssemuju, Kampala Central MP, Muhammad Nsereko, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu –both lecturers at the University.

Lukwago was blocked from entering the University premises, which led to a scuffle between the Police and the organizers led by the (MYDP) executive director, Ahmed Kabuye.

This prompted the Wandegeya DPC, Brian Ampaire, who informed Lukwago that the seminar he was going to attend was cancelled by the University management and implored the youth to maintain order to avoid the inconvenience.

Lukwago, who was flanked by the former secretary general of JEEMA party, Omar Kalinge Nyango drove away.

The youth retaliated by causing chaos and the police began firing tear gas and spraying jets of Pink Water to disperse them.

In the scuffle Nyango, the Presidential hopeful was arrested alongside two unidentified youth and detained at Kawempe Police Station.

“They will be charged under the Public Order Management Act,” Ampaire said

Kabuye in an interview with the New Vision said they will communicate the dates they intend to carry out the seminar.