Garissa Solidarity March: Kayihura applauds Makerere University students

They marched from their main campus to the Kenyan high commission where they were received by Julius Ngera the Assistant Commissioner.

The Guild president Bala David Bwiruka handed in a message of sympathy to him reminding that an attack on students in Kenya is an attack on all students.

Julius Ngera thanked Makerere for standing with them in such a tough time promising to deliver the message to the concerned.

Gen Kale Kayihura arrived moments after the march and was received by the University management.

Bala David asked Kayihura to remind the president about the perimeter wall he promised in order to help increase on the security of the institution.  He told Kayihura the University Guild is to make sure all hostels around Makerere get well trained private guards.

The Dean of Students,  Mr Kabagambe Cyrianco thanked the Guild president and his team for organizing the march and for making sure it ended peacefully.

Professor Okello Ogwang,  the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics stepped in for Ddumba Sentamu. He sent out condolences to the Kenyan lives that were lost on behalf of management.

“Makerere University management has taken measures to increase on security by including students,  staff and police in the security organs, ” He said.

He further highlighted that they shall carry on training,  provide light in dark spots and construct a temporary perimeter wall as measures to improve on security.

He saluted Bala David for starting his Presidency on a positive note and asked him to work with management in order to brand Makerere.
“Management will support you,  collaborate with you to ensure the students are safe, ” highlighted Ogwang.

He thanked the IGP for finding time in his busy schedule to mourn with Makerere.

The IGP,  Gen Kale Kayihura speaking to the media applauded the students for standing together with the Kenyan counterparts.  He noted that such opportunities help police in building vigilance. He reminded the students of the previous attacks on Uganda   notably the 2010 attack that left over 70 people dead.

He thanked the students for finally accepting the role of police since initially they hated police because of the perception that it sabotaged strikes.

He promised to introduce a comprehensive system in terms of access control involving all stakeholders and technology at the University.
” This University should get CCTV,  perimeter lighting and securing hostels, ” He advised.
” This threat is preventable through vigilance and security conscious, ”
” National security begins with you, ” concluded Kayihura.

He noted that their are many lapses in the security system and urged the University and educational institutions to implement the Ministry of Education security standards