Graduants, attendees pay to abandon bags
Grandaunds at Makerere University are unhappy with a decision guidelines issued by the authorities during the 73 graduation ceremony.
Most of the graduands and attendees at the function are now forced to leave their property with security guards at a fee of between Shillings 5,000 to 8,000, until the ceremony is done.
The Chairperson for the Ceremonies Committee, Prof. Patrick Mangeni, issued a notice to graduants and attendees halting them from carrying mobile phones, firearms, dangerous weapons, cameras (both video and still cameras), batteries, chemicals, alcohol, cigarettes, canned foods and drinks, bottled drinks, backpacks, lighters, matchboxes, candles, glasses, and knives.
Makerere University 73rd graduation kicked off Monday. A total of 13,221 graduands will graduate in the 5-day ceremony
Several parents, even those with babies ,graduates and staff were turned away by security officers at the entrance for carrying the above mentioned items.
Hakim , a graduand, told our reporter that he is frustrated with the University’s move, he says it is unfair that they wont allow even mobile phones which are a necessity.
“ I would understand for other things but everyone needs a phone. What if something happens and we need to communicate, we need pictures for memories and fwe sit apart from parents, how do we locate them after this, ” said Hakim
“Now we have to part with money to drop our backpacks at the gate. Imagine I had to deposit like 10 k for my bag with a laptop and phone at the gate, I am not sure they are safe,” Odong said.
“I am a girl and you know what we goo through monthly, but denying us from carrying bags is a big inconvenience, now how will I take care of my self. “Mercy Nakanjago stated
Graduants, attendees pay to abandon bags
The upset students say it was necessary for the University to explain circumstances that led them to issue such a directive.
“At first I thought it was because of the President or Education Minister coming to the occasion that causes signal jammers whenever they move, but it looks like something else. The best way to do this is to inform people the reason.”
However, it has been established that the Minister of Education, Janet Kataha Museveni will attend the ceremony via Zoom from State House.
A parent expressed surprise that such a big university as Makerere was limiting people from carrying phones. He questioned those behind the decision and wondered how they were supposed to communicate.
He stated that he was trying to locate his child and was expecting important business calls, saying that those who run a university in the 21st century should understand the importance of phones.
