Makerere University has issued a stern warning to student leaders, including Guild Representative Councilor Joseph Nsamba, to halt their opposition to the university’s fees policy or risk dismissal.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in a letter dated September 10, 2024, accused Nsamba of inciting protests and unlawful actions, further intensifying the standoff between university authorities and student representatives.
The escalating tensions between Makerere University administration and its student leaders over the controversial fees policy have taken a sharp turn, with university authorities now threatening severe consequences for dissent. The warning issued to Joseph Nsamba and other student leaders highlights the administration’s growing intolerance for opposition as they enforce strict measures against any protests.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe’s letter directly targets Nsamba, accusing him of organizing demonstrations and urging students to take unlawful action. The Vice Chancellor also warned that such activities could jeopardize Nsamba’s academic future and leadership position, a pointed reminder of the risks involved in defying university policies.
In a further clampdown, the Dean of Students issued a suspension of all student gatherings, citing fears of potential violence and unrest. This decision has sparked outrage from the Guild President, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, who criticized the administration for employing double standards, allowing other non-student activities on campus while restricting student voices.
This conflict over the fees policy is not just about rising costs—it reflects broader concerns about student governance, free expression, and administrative control. As the student leaders vow to continue challenging the policy, the university’s firm response sets the stage for a critical test of power dynamics at one of Africa’s premier institutions.
With the threat of dismissal looming over their heads, the coming days could determine whether student activism can push back against the institution or whether Makerere’s administration will assert its authority over the campus.
