Oxfam condemns violence met out on Makerere University students and calls for a peaceful resolution of the situation.
Oxfam is concerned about the violent way security agencies have tried to quell the ongoing Makerere university student strike. Makerere University students went on strike on 23rd October 2019 over their dissatisfaction with a proposed 15% tuition increment. Security forces intervened arresting several students with others reported to have been brutally handled during the arrests. Media reports and footage further showed security agencies attacking unarmed students in their halls of residences as well as journalists trying to cover the strike.
These actions according to Oxfam are a violation of human rights and human decency and we strongly condemn them. “There is no justification for using such violence on unarmed citizens. Peaceful protests should not be met with brute force.” Said Jane Ocaya-Irama, Interim Country Director Oxfam in Uganda.
“Together with our partners, we have been addressing issues such as violence against women that keep women from participating in leadership and decision making but it is worrying to see young people especially women being victims of their leadership and standing up for their rights.”
We need a country where all Citizens feel safe and protected to engage, not live with feelings of insecurity and intimidation especially by those who are legally mandated to protect their person and property.
Oxfam urges all the relevant authorities to peacefully resolve the ongoing Makerere situation while respecting the Freedom of assembly, Association and expression as provided for in the Constitution.