Nawangwe rescinds suspension of three government-funded students who protested moratorium allowances

Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has rescinded the suspension of three government-supported students for allegedly participating in protests over the postponement of housing and food grants last week.
Prof Nawangwe’s cancellation came hours after the university guild president, Mr Vincent Lubega Nsamba, petitioned his office seeking clemency for the three students; He suspended Aliat Oyet, Francis Opira and Felix Losiru last week.

The trio reportedly led their colleagues on government scholarships to protest against the government’s delay in paying their allowances, which eventually affected them, with many saying they were starving to death in their hostels.

“I hereby revoke the suspension of three students with immediate effect. Please advise the affected students to desist from further acts of hooliganism at the University,” reads part of Prof Nawangwe’s letter dated November 11.
This publication also saw another letter from Prof Nawangwe informing one of the affected students that he had decided to cancel the suspension following the intervention of the guild president.
He also advised the student to desist from engaging in acts of hooliganism; He said this could not only cost him government sponsorship but also jeopardize the safety of the university community.

In an earlier letter to Prof Nawangwe, Mr Nsamba said the delayed remittance of government students’ allowances —- until last Saturday – had created a lot of frustration among students and the protests were incompatible with the university. official code of conduct, his actions demonstrated the financial hardship facing most government-supported students.

“Therefore, we ask that the university forgive these students who participated in the Friday protest. Their actions were largely motivated by desperation rather than defiance. Granting amnesty in this case would mean that the administration understands the difficulties students have since faced, who mostly rely on the timely payment of these allowances,” read part of the letter.

The students also petitioned the Uganda Law Society (ULS) seeking legal support to challenge what they described as inhumane and vindictive acts allegedly exhibited by Prof Nawangwe.

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