Kyambogo University has increased security arrangements amidst the terrorist threats that have gripped the country. In a circular dated 2nd September 2024, the Vice Chancellor expressed the importance of such measures towards ensuring safety and security for all staff, students, and the general community within the university.
With an enormous population and one of the most renowned educational facilities, management recognizes that the university could be a target for terrorist activities. Thus, its security section has suggested and put into practice various key measures to counter the threats effectively.
Key Security Measures Implemented
- Restrictions on Access by Motor Vehicle:
Henceforth, all motor vehicles transiting through university roads without any form of authorization shall not be permitted. University car stickers shall facilitate access by staff, students, and service providers who may wish for vehicular access into the university premises. - Boda Boda Ban:
These are strictly banned from accessing the university premises to avoid unauthorized access or suspicious entries. - Improved Access Control:
Security clearance is to be effected at every university entrance and gate, particularly at key installations such as the Senate building, all big lecture rooms, halls of residence, and houses of worship. Cooperation at such points is highly required. - Controlled Collective Prayers:
Collective prayers in worship places within the university are restricted to recognized days: Sundays for Anglican, Born-Again, and Catholic Christians; Saturdays for Adventists; Fridays for Muslims. There will be a security crackdown during such meetings. - Controlled Social/Public Gatherings:
All social/public gatherings that students may want to hold within the university must first be approved and monitored by the security department to ensure that proper measures concerning safety are observed to the latter. - Parking Restrictions:
All vehicles must be parked at all times in designated areas to strive to provide an orderly and safe parking environment on the university campus. - Routine Canine Sweeps:
There will be routine canine sweeps of university buildings and public areas designed to detect the presence of items or threats deemed suspicious. - Carry Bag Restriction:
Students are not allowed to carry bags in lecture rooms and libraries except small laptop bags. Female students are advised to bring simple handbags or purses if required. - Strategic Deployment of Security Personnel:
Security personnel are deployed in identified black spots and key areas around the university to monitor overtly and covertly. Community members are therefore called upon to report any suspected activities or items to these security agents. - Community Sensitization and Vigilance:
The Security Teams will be involved in carrying out community sensitization in educating staff and students on personal security, vigilance, and neighborhood watch practices. - Security Checks in Hostels:
The university may occasionally carry out security checks in hostels outside the university to sensitize residents on security and create awareness where needed. - Environmental Cleanliness:
The environment and security go hand in hand. The institution will ensure that grass is slashed regularly, that garbage bins are frequently emptied, and the cleanliness of the campus is observed. This will be done through the reactivation of student security committees in the halls of residence and faculties for increased vigilance and communication on security matters. - Controlled Access Through Gazetted Gates:
Access to the university shall be strictly through the gazetted gates. The University gate near the National Council for Higher Education is temporarily closed for security reasons.
The Vice Chancellor concluded the circular by calling on the university community to fully cooperate with the security agencies, accept some level of inconvenience for the greater good, and prioritize personal safety by avoiding dark areas at night.
These measures highlight the university’s concern to ensure a safe environment for all members amidst the ongoing threats.
