Makerere Business School (MUBS) was thrown into turmoil on Friday evening when a student named Abdallah Mukama was reportedly subjected to police brutality, resulting in severe injuries.
The incident occurred amidst a student protest against the alleged unlawful detention of Juma Wasswa Balunywa (JWB), a prospective candidate for the 2024 Guild president position.
The protests intensified on Friday, the nomination day for Guild president candidates. The absence of JWB from the list of nominees incited anger among students, leading to a demonstration that escalated into violence.
Juma Wasswa Balunywa was temporarily detained at Jinja Road Police Station before being released as the situation at the MUBS campus gradually stabilized. However, the aftermath of the protests revealed a path of destruction, with reports of damaged property, including the Principal’s car, and several students suffering injuries from beatings and tear gas.
In a video circulating on social media, Christopher Wasswa, the current Guild President of MUBS, issued a stern warning to the school administration regarding the escalating tensions.
He demanded immediate settlement of the medical bills for Abdallah Mukama, citing Mukama’s critical condition due to internal bleeding allegedly caused by police brutality.
Wasswa also identified the police officer allegedly responsible for Mukama’s injuries, named as Musinguzi, and urged that immediate action be taken against him by Monday. He warned that failure to hold the officer accountable would result in consequences beyond what the police and MUBS administration could foresee.
“Students demand that the administration covers the medical expenses for Abdallah Mukama. I am their voice, and I have spoken. If you ignore this plea today, you will bear the consequences. Afande Musinguzi assaulted our student,” Christopher Wasswa warned in the video.
Furthermore, Wasswa hinted at a gathering of students at the campus on Monday, suggesting that they will make their voices heard. “…and they have promised that come Monday, the students are going to show who a real Makereranian is. We are not making threats; on Monday, they are coming,”