Makerere Protests: 45 Students Released on Bail

Police have released on bail 45 students of Makerere University who were arrested during  protests over the institution’s tuition fees increment policy.

The students, including the Guild President, Julius Kateregga, were released on Satuday from Wandegeya and Central Police stations.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy police spokesman Luke OOwoyesigire said that the students were charged with inciting violence and destruction of property.

He added that they are also holding several other people who he said were found participating in riots yet they are not students at the university.

He said that they are interrogating them to know where they came from.

The released students vowed to continue advocating for their rights. Mr Kateregga said their arrest shows that the University leadership suppresses dissenting views.

The release of the students comes a day after High Court issued an order demanding their immediate release.

On Saturday, a section of law makers also condemned what they described as high handedness by security agencies in dealing with protesting students.

The MPs, who included Gerald Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru (Jinja East), Barnabas Tinkansimiire, James Acidri (Maracha East), Abdallalatiff Sebbagala, Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County), Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality) made the call while addressing journalists at Parliament.

Karuhanga described the incidents that have been prevailing at Makerere University as exceedingly disturbing and unwarranted to the sitting government, wondering why students protesting with mere placards needed to be responded to with the military who ended up treating students in the most inhumane manner.

“There is complete silence from government meaning that the course of engagement has been largely done away with, that line they are not interested. They would like to muzzle and silence anybody whether you have legitimate concerns,” said KaruWe want to make it clear, we applaud students that came out to challenge the unfortunate policy by the University Council. We want to remind Government that we hold power on behalf of the people and no single individual should intimidate another to silence. We aren’t going to keep quiet until this is addressed as a national issue. We will stick with the students and our people who believe in policy that takes care of everyone.”