Kampala, Uganda — The Students Guild of Makerere University has issued a strong-worded statement condemning the Police over their response to the recent #March2Parliament. The guild’s statement follows reports of undue aggression and unlawful detention of several protestors, including Makerere University students.
The peaceful demonstration, within which students had organized to protest and hold the government accountable, was met with what the guild termed “inappropriate and aggressive actions” by the law enforcement. Disturbing footage of the incident has surfaced, showing instances of inhumane treatment during arrests. According to the Students Guild, this clearly infringes on the constitutional right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda.
The 90th Students Guild, led by the Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamaba, has come out hard in defense and protection of constitutional rights. Article 29(1)(d) of the constitution of Uganda grants every citizen the right to peaceful demonstration. As citizens exercise this fundamental right, it is upon the police to ensure safety and security of all involved, not suppression of such fundamental freedoms.
On the heels of this incident, the Students Guild demanded the immediate release of the detained students and all other innocent protesters. The guild is working with legal professionals to hasten their release and offers full support to ensure their safe return from unlawful detention.
“We stand firmly by the constitutional right to peaceful demonstration,” said Nsamaba. “What we are seeing is a gross infringement of those rights, and we will fight to see justice done.”
The answer goes to the greater issue of how much civil liberties can be assured in the face of enforcement of the law and proper conduct during public demos. As the situation unfolds, Makerere University Students Guild stands firm in defense of members’ rights and those of citizens in a lawful protest.
