The European Union warned has against recurrence after government responded with an iron fist to contain student protests that have for the past week rocked Makerere University after the administration sanctioned a 15 per cent cumulative increment on tuition over the next five years.
“Makerere University has been the theatre in recent days of violence and the use of excessive force by members of the law enforcement agencies,” Anna MERRIFIELD (pictured above ) a spokeswoman said in a news briefing.
In the full glare of cameras, security personnel raided halls of residence where they subjected students to corporal punishment. Today, the dispute over tuition remains unresolved.
“We support the analysis of the events made by the Uganda Human Rights Commission and call upon all parties, particularly the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, to refrain from acts of violence and to respect freedom of assembly and expression. Any possible misconduct by their members should be investigated and acted upon,” the statement continued.
“We are also alarmed by the use of force against and unwarranted arrest of journalists attempting to cover recent events at Makerere. We call upon both Makerere University and the security services to ensure that all accredited journalists are allowed to do their job without intimidation and harassment so they can report events independently.”
The Defence and Army spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire, said Capt Richard Lubeere, the officer believed to have commanded the raid on the university, was being held at Makindye Military Police headquarters. According to Brig Karemire, an inquiry headed by Lt Col Richard Okumu has been established to investigate incidents of corporal punishment against students by soldiers.
