In line with the Makerere University Students Regulations 2015 (The Uganda Gazette No.39, Volume CV111, and dated 16th July 2015), Makerere University has established a Student’s Disciplinary Committee.

Inaugurated by the Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem on Wednesday 1st November 2017, the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee will be headed by Mr. Ngabirano Precious a former Chief Magistrate and a Senior practicing advocate at Pearl Advocates and Solicitors.

Other members of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee appointed by the University Council include; Dr. Rose Nakayi, Dr. Umar Kakumba, Mr. Ahmed Ssentongo, Ms. Carolyne Nabaasa and Mrs. Prossy Katongole Kyazze.

According to the Acting Director of Legal Affairs, Makerere University Mr. Goddy Muhumuza, the committee is set to;

1. To handle disciplinary cases directly brought to it;
2. To handle cases referred to it by Hall Disciplinary Committee;
3. To handle appeals from parties dissatisfied with the ruling by the Hall Disciplinary Committee; and
4. Any other functions assigned by the University Council.

“The Dean of Students may refer a case of breach of the University Regulations to the University Students Disciplinary Committee directly without the same having been brought before the Hall Disciplinary Committee,” said Mr. Muhumuza.

The University Students Disciplinary Committee has powers to do any/ or several of the following:

• Uphold the decision made by the Hall Disciplinary Committee;
• Dismiss the case against the student;
• Reprimand the student;
• Demand an apology from the student;
• Ask the student to pay for the cost or part of the cost of damaged or lost University property;
• Ask the student to be a non-resident;
• Remove or recommend removal of the student leader from office;
• Suspend the student for a specified time;
• Recommend to the University Council that the student be dismissed;
• Suspend the student for a specified period of time not exceeding four months pending approval of the recommendation to Council that the student be dismissed; and
• Any other punishment that the Committee may deem to be appropriate.

The Committee’s decision shall be communicated to the student in writing within seven days of the day of conclusion of the hearing.

During the inauguration ceremony in the Makerere University Main Building Senior Common Room, the Chairperson of Council thanked the Committee Chairperson and his entire team for voluntarily accepting to take up the role to ensure that the University is safe and free from hooliganism and any other unnecessary behaviour.

He asked the Committee to be very firm but also fair when handling students’ matters. “We expect to give a fair hearing to each person coming to the committee. There is also room for appeal in case you feel dissatisfied with the committee’s ruling,” he said.

He thanked the Management and the entire University community for putting up a Committee whose background is governed by the law to ensure that peace, discipline and good conduct is reinstated at Makerere University.

He however, appealed to the University Management to always engage students in decision making and also leave room for the students to reach out to them. The Chairperson of Council also appealed to the students to focus on their studies and other constructive activities to create a better and admirable future. He encouraged them to use the social media and the technologies to reach out to fellow students positively as they build the University’s image and brand.

“We should know that whatever we are dong either builds the institution’s profile or tarnishes its image, I therefore call upon you to tell the University’s greatness in a positive way. Let us use the technologies constructively and seek pride from our own,” he explained.

Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem highly encouraged the Guild Cabinet to use their offices in a rightful manner and work with the Committee to clean up the University. “We are not going to tolerate behaviour that creates problems to our people. You can strike if you feel your issues are not handled, but you should not be violent or infringe on other people’s rights. Those students engaging in such acts should be identified and be brought to book,” he vehemently said.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee Mr. Ngabirano Precious, proudly thanked the Makerere University community for entrusting his team with such a remarkable role. He vowed to take the responsibility seriously and fight against misconduct and hooliganism at Makerere University.

“We consider this as a great honour to be called back to serve our University. We are here to serve. I have taken note of the regulations providing the jurisdiction of this committee. We shall exercise our work judiciously in all fairness. We shall be fair to all parties through applying all the principles,” Mr. Ngabirano stated.

The Makerere University Vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pledged to work hand in hand with the Committee to sieve out the few students who tarnish the institution’s image.“I have always told people that Makerere University is the top University. However, people have always wondered why Makerere University has failed to find a mechanism of sieving out the students tarnishing the image of the University. Here is the students Disciplinary Committee put in place to do that role,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.The Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe welcomed the Chairperson of the Committee and thanked the University Management and entire Makerere University Community for making it possible to have the committee put in place.

“On behalf of my team, I pledge to closely cooperate with the Committee and other organs of the University to create a difference in the way our students conduct themselves,” he mentioned.

Written by: Proscovia Nabatte, Communication Volunteer-MAK Public Relations Office