Museveni apologises over campus deaths

By Robert Wanyonyi and Roselyne Obala

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has apologised to Kenya over last week killing of two students at Makerere University.

In a message read by Ugandan Minister of State Mwesigwa Rugutana to mourners at the burial of Augustine Nyongesa at Kabula in Bungoma, on Saturday, Museveni said he was sorry for the deaths.

President Museveni, at the same time, pledged to compensate affected families.

He, however, denied a watchman believed to be behind the killings had targeted Kenyans.

"When the watchman opened fire, he did so indiscriminately and killed the two Kenyan students who were together and injured a Ugandan. I want to apologise to the Kenyan Government and Kenyans at large and promise we will take stern action against the individual involved," read the statement.

He said his Government had put in place measures to ensure safety of the more than 40,000 Kenyan students studying in Uganda.

Museveni said Kenya and Uganda enjoy cordial relations through the spirit of the East African Community. He said the shooting was an isolated case that should not sally relations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula, who was represented by Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka, urged for investigations into the incident. He said the Government would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.

Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli and Shinyalu MP Kizito Mugali accused Ugandan officials of failuring to provide security to Kenyan students.

The MPs urged Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda Geoffrey Okanga, who was also present, to be in constant touch with students so as to understand their problems.