Members of Parliament have decried the shrinking space for freedom of expression at Makerere University as parliament yesterday debated a motion to celebrate Makerere University’s 100 years in existence.
The Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa said that Makerere University needs freedom in its totality.
Basalirwa, a former Guild President at the institution said that during his time, he used to invite MPs to come to speak to students almost every week, they would have debates and discussions but that is no longer happening in the university.
Ms Anna Adeke, also a former Guild President said that celebrating 100 years should be used as a moment of reflection in regard to the abuse of freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education said that the country has many reasons to celebrate 100 years of Makerere University.
Makerere University was established on August 1, 1922 as the Uganda Technical College, in 1923, it was renamed Makerere College, in 1949, the British Protectorate Government granted Makerere College, University status and later in 1963, it was renamed Makerere College, the University of East Africa following the establishment of the East African Community.
It became a national university on July 1, 1970, under the name Makerere University offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to the award of degrees on its own accord.
