Dr Ronald Luwangula, a senior lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Social Sciences in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration is nursing serious injuries after he was allegedly beaten by military police soldiers.
Dr Luwangula who is currently receiving treatment at Mengo Hospital in Kampala says that he was beaten on Thursday night after conducting a lecture.
He says after the lecture, he moved towards his office at the School of Social Sciences, about 10 meters away.
He says that he was surprised when three military police soldiers attacked and beat him up using batons.
The soldiers were allegedly dispersing students who had just attended the final guild elections rally at the nearby Freedom Square.
“I didn’t know that at that time, they [soldiers] were dispersing students who were from a rally at the Freedom Square,” he said.
Dr Luwangula says that three soldiers beat him severely.
He says he moved down the stairs bleeding profusely and was assisted by some students and security guards attached to Senaca Security Group.
He, however, says that when he went to the University Hospital, he did not receive any medical attention.
He says he was taken to a nearby clinic where he received the first aid before being transferred to Mengo Hospital.
Dr Luwangula questioned why the university management has allowed soldiers to continue loitering at the institution.
Following the incident, Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) members called for “demilitarisation” of university spaces.
Dr Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the MUASA chairperson says the attack on Dr Luwangula is a regrettable incident.
“We request management to treat it as an occupational hazard and respond to his safety. We also request Council and Management to embark on demilitarisation of university spaces and concentrate on active mentorship and training of our students in non-violent methods,” Dr Kamunyu said.
Last month, student leaders demanded for the withdrawal of UPDF and military police from the university.
Mr Isaac Kwagala, the Makerere University Guild Speaker, said he has received several complaints of harassment by soldiers from staff members and students
