Concerns have been raised over the safety of staff and students at Makerere University following allegations of misconduct by armed personnel reportedly camped at the institution’s College of Computing and Engineering (CCE) Hall.
In a statement shared on X, cartoonist and columnist Jim Spire Ssentongo claimed that young soldiers have been stationed at the facility for more than two weeks, during which time they have allegedly restricted movement, harassed university staff, and engaged in violent conduct.
Ssentongo alleged that some staff members and students have been slapped, threatened, and intimidated by the armed group.
The most serious allegation involves an incident in which a young female lecturer was reportedly assaulted, had her phone destroyed, and was threatened with further harm.
According to Ssentongo, university security intervened and rescued the lecturer from the situation. He further alleged that the armed personnel claimed they were operating under orders that allowed them to “shoot to kill.”
The claims have sparked concern among members of the academic community, with questions being raised about the presence of armed forces within a university environment and the impact on academic freedom and personal safety.
Ssentongo described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that a learning institution should not be subjected to what he termed “militia-like” behavior.
By the time of publication, Makerere University management had not issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
Similarly, there was no immediate response from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces or other security agencies regarding the claims.
The incident adds to ongoing national debate in Uganda over the conduct of security forces in civilian spaces and the protection of academic institutions as neutral and safe environments for learning.