University Suspends Journalism Student Over Alleged Incitement

Written by: 
Hussein Mukisa

 

Makerere University has suspended, Frank Bwambale, a second year Bachelor of Journalism and Communication student until further notice.

According to a letter from the Vice Chancellor, Bwambale is suspended from the University for undisclosed period.

The letter cites sections of Makerere University students’ regulations which Bwambale allegedly went against. These include a section that bars students from printing, publishing and disseminating or circulating any false information of any sort. It also says students who fails, ignores or chooses to channel official correspondence through other channels other than the relevant office in the university shall be guilty of insubordination.

Bwambale Frank, popularly known as 'young thug' however says he is innocent and has been suspended because of saying the truth. He also believes the letter was not authored by the Vice Chancelor.

"The authored letter in question is not in the authorship of the Vice Chancellor, because we all know that he is out for a trip," Bwambale told journalism@mak.

Dr. Brian Semujju, a lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication says there should have been formal disciplinary procedures for the student.

"There must be formal platforms to raise issues and if communication online is regarded a violation, the victim has to serve the penalty," Semujju told this reporter. He however emphasized that students should read, understand and analyse policies before signing them because these are commitments they should abide by.

The Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences where Bwambale belonged, Dr. Josephine Ahikire said despite having individual rights, students’ communication should not affect the image of the university.