Kenyan students killed in Makerere University poll chaos

By Cyrus Ombati and Robert Nyasato

Two Kenyan students have been shot dead in election fracas at Makerere University in Uganda.

Kenyan and Ugandan police said students had gathered at the university hostel for the final guild election campaigns when a guard opened fire on them, suspecting one of the students wanted to damage a vehicle in the parking lot.

According to New Vision newspaper, one student died on the spot, while the other succumbed to injuries at Mulago Hospital. An injured Ugandan student is fighting for his life at the same hospital.

A Kenyan student, Erastus Muhia, who witnessed the incident, said the two Kenyans were hit by one bullet.

Muhia said it began when a commotion broke out between the Kenyan camp backing their compatriot Simon Kamau for the students’ leader position in the guild, and the Ugandan camp rooting for their own.

He said the two groups had agreed to hold peaceful campaigns, but a security guard opened fire with his G3 rifle. The killing sparked violent protests on Tuesday, prompting police to intervene with teargas. Businesses were affected near the university for the better part of Tuesday.

The New Vision quoted Mulago Hospital spokesperson Elphaz Sekabira saying a third student was in critical condition.

Violent protests

Reports said Kamau’s supporters clashed with those of his opponent John Taylor, prompting the fracas.

Students wearing red gowns and brandishing tree branches gathered at the university main building and the campus freedom square to demonstrate against the killings.

Riot police were mobilised to stop the rioting students from entering the city centre. They lobbed teargas canisters to group of students who had bought a coffin and tried to force their way into Mulago Hospital mortuary.

Uganda’s police Spokesperson Judith Nabakooba said the guard involved in the shooting had been arrested. Some students called The Standard, and said there was tension and uncertainty on the way forward.

"We fear things may get out of control as the riots continue into the night," said one caller.

Several Kenyan students studying in Uganda have sent messages back home, putting their parents in panic.

* (We have concealed the students’ names until their next of kin have been informed).

— Additional reports by Osinde Obare