Strikes Not a Sign of Makerere's Academic Collapse

Written by: 
Tusiime Christopher

Following the just ended demonstration at Makerere University, a lot of people have expressed their earnest concerns about students 'indiscipline' and the possible academic collapse of one of the best institutions of higher learning in Africa. But in my opinion, this, in no way, can cause a decline in the academic performance of the renowned University in Africa and the world at large. It is true and I admit it is, that during these demonstrations, there are cases of indiscipline cited, but that does not mean that students have deviated me from the course. I strongly disagree with anyone who makes an improper assessment of the students’ acts by calling them “hooligans and thieves.” I want anyone who would wish to take on the judgment of students to keep in mind that during most of these demonstrations, some outsiders join the students in order to fulfill their selfish interests that are in most cases contrary to the students' cause of the demonstration.

This was even confirmed by the police and the intelligence officers that even went ahead to brutalise students in the concluded demonstration. This adequately justifies my argument that is really improper to call Makerere University a den of hooliganism as many are trying to, because of the gruesome acts are not done by the students. Additionally, according the recently conducted research by the world's known, internationally respected organization, Times Higher Education of London, Makerere University is the third best in Africa after Cape Town and Witwatersrand, both of which are highly funded by government and based in South Africa. Any shrewd mind has to bear in mind that a semester in Makerere is made up of four complete months, which means that those are 120 days of studying.

In Makerere, demonstrations last for a maximum of 2 days. 120 days minus 2 days, there remains 118 days of serious studies. The question is: Do people accusing students of time wastage as themselves what students are doing in those days? Do they ask themselves? Makerere University students simply are devising means of reaching a consensus every time they demonstrate. One has to keep in mind that we as students have never thought of demonstrating before engaging the University administration into diplomatic negotiations. Where as one gets themselves busy on condemning students' acts, it is advisable they always understand, first, the root causes so as to pass fair judgments. Demonstrating is never a priority before but after failed negotiations.