Makerere University Strike Escalates As Security Officer Send Death Threats
Tensions are mounting at Makerere University as staff continue their strike over delayed salary harmonization, while disturbing new allegations of death threats from security officials have emerged. Staff members are protesting the university’s failure to align their salaries with those of their peers at other public universities, a disparity they argue is both unjust and unacceptable.
The situation took a darker turn when reports surfaced that Mulindwa Musa, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) and Deputy Chief Security Officer at Makerere, allegedly issued orders to police officers to “shoot to kill” any staff attempting to lock university buildings during the strike. These threats were reportedly made in a telephone conversation with the chairperson of the National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI), Makerere branch, on October 12, 2024.
A letter dated October 15, 2024, from the chairpersons of three staff associations—Dr. Robert Kakuru of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Bennett Magara of the Makerere Administrative Staff Association (MASA), and Isaac Okello of NUEI—was sent to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) outlining the threats. The letter also claimed that efforts to report the incident to Makerere University Police Station were blocked by the officer in charge, ASP Ndegezi Patrick, who refused to record the case or issue a reference number.
“This threat has been duly reported to Makerere University Police Station, but ASP Ndegezi Patrick has refused to record the case,” the letter reads.
The staff leaders have called on the IGP to investigate the matter and take swift action against Mulindwa. Attempts to reach Mulindwa for comment have been unsuccessful, while Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke was also unavailable for comment, stating he was in a meeting.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, acknowledged the letter and promised an investigation into the allegations, though he cautioned that the claims had yet to be substantiated. “I have seen the letter, but the authors do not substantiate their allegations. All the same, we will investigate,” Nawangwe said.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, SSP Patrick Onyango, condemned the alleged orders, describing them as illegal and contrary to police procedure. He advised the affected staff to report the matter directly to the Kampala Metropolitan Police for proper handling. “Orders don’t come like that; the instruction is to protect life and property, not to take life. If that lecturer was called, they should come to us so we can address it properly,” Onyango said.
The allegations come as Makerere University staff remain resolute in their industrial action, which they began earlier this month. The strike stems from the university’s failure to meet its commitment to harmonize salaries with other public universities by September 2024. The staff argue that professionals with similar qualifications are receiving vastly different pay, with some Makerere employees earning only half of what their counterparts in other institutions receive.
The staff, in their October 7, 2024, letter to the University Council Chairperson, accused management of failing to honor an agreement reached two months prior to pay harmonized salaries. As the strike continues, the threat of violence and lack of resolution risks further escalation at Uganda’s premier academic institution.
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Makerere University Strike Escalates As Security Officer Send Death Threats
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum