Former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has criticised what he describes as tightened controls and a declining student culture at Makerere University, saying the institution has been transformed in ways that make it “unrecognizable” compared to its historical identity.
Speaking during a Mitchell and Complex Halls (Mitchelex) solidarity reunion dinner held at Mitchell Hall, Ssemujju said he was struck by what he termed a subdued atmosphere on campus, arguing that long-standing student traditions and informal spaces of engagement have been significantly curtailed.
“I returned to a subdued Makerere University to officiate at Mitchelex solidarity reunion dinner at Mitchell Hall,” he said.
“Thank you Mitchelex solidarity for honouring me. The dinner was also graced with other solidarity ancestors such as Hon Barnabas Tinkasimire.”
He went on to criticise what he claimed were increasing restrictions on student activities, attributing the changes to the administration of Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Barnabas Nawangwe.
“Dinners are the few social gatherings not yet banned by the regime using Vice Chancellor Prof Nawangwe,” Ssemujju said. “Morning joggings have been added on the not to do list. The red freshers’ gowns have gone. If you were in Lumumba Hall, your Gongom is no more.”
He further alleged that student organisation and mobility within the university have been increasingly regulated, pointing to rules governing gatherings.
“Gatherings of more than 10 students require prior approval,” he said. “The social construction of the university has been completely destroyed.”
Ssemujju also raised concerns about security presence at the institution, claiming that armed forces have been deployed on campus, particularly following recent election-related tensions.
“There is a military detach stationed there since the presidential elections in January, in addition to a police division,” he said. “Makerere is now unrecognizable!”
The remarks were made in the presence of former student leaders and political figures, including Barnabas Tinkasimire, who attended the reunion dinner described as a gathering of alumni linked to historical student solidarity networks. Barnabas Tinkasimire
Makerere University has in recent years introduced tighter administrative guidelines on student gatherings, citing the need to improve discipline, safety, and coordination across halls of residence.
University leadership has previously defended such measures as necessary for maintaining order in a large and politically active institution.