Following pressure and condemnation from the United States of America and the European Union (EU), Delegation in Uganda, the Uganda people’s Defence forces (UPDF), has arrested the military police commander who commanded the solders as they unleashed terror on striking Makerere University students.
According to army spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire, the military officer identified as Capt. Ronald Lubeera is currently detained at Makindye Military Barracks.
“A board of inquiry led by Lt. Col. Richard Ochen Okum has been set up to establish details of what happened and findings will guide the next course of action,” he said.
The strike that commenced on Tuesday last week was sparked off by the unpopular 15 percent cumulative tuition policy. They were spearheaded by Mollie Siperia, the Guild Representative Councilor for School of psychology and one Frank Bwambale who were later nabbed and suspended by the university vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Siperia who was brutally assaulted is currently hospitalized at unknown medical facility in Kampala.
On Tuesday, the university suspended more nine students and warned several others for reportedly indulging in strikes.
Last week, Police other security organs broke into students halls of residence such as Mary Stuart and others in the latest reign of terror at the university where even disabled students were battered by the police and the army officers.
Reports indicate that Students’ Guild President, Julius Kateregga, was kidnapped by unknown people moments after he had just left NBS TV where he was discussing issues affecting the university alongside, Dr Muhammad Kiggundu, Manager Communications and international relations of the university. The kidnapping reports were confirmed by his deputy Judith Nalukwago and his where about has not been established.
The EU on Friday wrote: “We support the analysis of the events made by the Uganda Human Rights Commission and call upon all parties particularly the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defence Forces to refrain from acts of violence and to respect freedom of assembly and expression. Any possible misconduct by their members should be investigated and acted upon.”
The EU at the same time has condemned the military and the police for torturing and arresting some journalists who were covering the demonstration at Makerere. Some are nursing injuries in hospitals. As a result the journalists have boycotted covering police events and related activities.
