Makerere University council has suspended guild elections that was scheduled to take place today following a stabbing incident that left a student dead during Thursday’s campaigns.
The student identified by colleagues as Michael Bentugura Dewate died at around 8:30 during final political campaigns.
In a statement, Lorna Magara, who is the chairperson of Makerere University’s council said that they are appalled by the violent events that have characterised the electoral campaigns for the 88th Students Guild leadership that resulted in the loss of the life of one of the supporters.
“The University Management and Council have repeatedly raised concerns about the persistent cases of indiscipline and violent altercations among members of the Students Guild and the Students Senior Common Room, which often resulted in damage to University property and injury to University Students and staff,”Magara said.
She said that management and the council have repeatedly engaged student leaders at the guild and SCR levels to address the violent behaviour but the engagements did not yield any results.
“The ongoing elections for the 88th Makerere University Students Guild leadership are suspended indefinitely; the Makerere University Students Guild is suspended with immediate effect,” the statement reads in part.
She said the suspension includes the guild care taker government and the students common room. She said the Council would convene in an emergency meeting today, July 15, 2022 to consider further actions to address student indiscipline and violence at the University.
“Management shall investigate all cases of violence in the electoral campaigns for the 88th Students Guild leadership and report to the Council for appropriate action, “she said.
Ug Mirror understands that at least one student was stabbed following a scuffle between National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters on Thursday.
