Kampala, Uganda: Students from Makerere University’s Mitchell Hall of Residence have petitioned the university administration, demanding a clear position on homosexuality and accountability for alleged police misconduct during a recent incident at the hall.
In a letter dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, with copies sent to the Minister of Education and Sports, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant officials, the students expressed concern over what they called the university’s silence on the matter.
“We are concerned resident students of Mitchell Hall seeking urgent clarification on Makerere University’s official position regarding homosexuality,” the petition, seen by DailyExpress, reads in part.
The students said the lack of communication had created uncertainty and tension within the hall, insisting that the university must take “a clear and unambiguous stance” on whether to allow or disallow the practice. “It is evident that homosexuality is a sensitive matter that requires a clear and unambiguous stance to either allow or disallow its practice,” they wrote.
The petitioners, who described themselves as “believers in God’s plan of man-to-woman only relationships,” condemned any perceived attempts to promote homosexuality within the university.
The students also raised concern over what they described as “unprofessional conduct” by police officers during a recent operation at Mitchell Hall, following an incident in which some residents allegedly identified and confronted a student who confessed to being gay.
“We have proof and bear witness to the uncalled-for behavior of the police where live bullets were fired at unarmed students,” the letter adds. “Such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine public trust in law enforcement and the university’s ability to provide a safe space for expression.”
The residents demanded accountability and disciplinary action against officers involved in the operation, accusing police of releasing suspects without proper communication.
“How safe and secure can we be yet the suspects we’ve identified using our follow-up measures are being released by police even with no official statement back into the population?” the students questioned.
They further urged Makerere University to implement immediate safety measures in halls of residence and demanded a written response within two working days.
“We as Mitchell Hall stand to champion against this vice. We request your immediate response within a maximum of two working days effective immediately,” they added.
University Responds
In a statement dated October 21, 2025, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, condemned the acts of violence at Mitchell Hall and said investigations were underway.
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable and has no place at Makerere University. Every member of the University community deserves to live without fear of violence or harassment,” Dr. Kabumbuli said, adding that police had intervened to prevent harm during the incident and that disciplinary action would follow upon conclusion of the investigations.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged students to refrain from violence and report all incidents of harassment to the university administration. “As we build for the future, let us uphold discipline and mutual respect,” she emphasized.
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