Kyambogo University kicked out 17 students for one month after they spoke up about school fees. The university told Guild President Benjamin Akiso and his friends that they had caused trouble during protests on April 23. Students had marched against rules that made them pay all fees before signing up for classes. They also faced a late fee of 50,000 shillings and were asked to take tests after paying just 70 percent of the costs.
Vice Chancellor Eli Katunguka sent letters saying these students chased others from classrooms and burned tires near campus. Without his written permission, he banned them from school grounds until May 31. The students must prepare to defend themselves at a future hearing with the Disciplinary Committee. Those suspended include campus leaders like John Masanja, Timothy Mwesigwa, and Ian Cheywa.
Schools should allow free speech and student voices. The harsh punishment raises questions about student rights at Kyambogo University. Campus leaders across Uganda watch this case with concern for what it means about student freedom.
Vice Chancellor Eli Katunguka sent letters saying these students chased others from classrooms and burned tires near campus. Without his written permission, he banned them from school grounds until May 31. The students must prepare to defend themselves at a future hearing with the Disciplinary Committee. Those suspended include campus leaders like John Masanja, Timothy Mwesigwa, and Ian Cheywa.
Schools should allow free speech and student voices. The harsh punishment raises questions about student rights at Kyambogo University. Campus leaders across Uganda watch this case with concern for what it means about student freedom.
