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Brian Murungi, a Bachelor of Social Work student at Makerere University, has been suspended for allegedly assaulting a fellow student and destroying property during violent clashes at Mitchell Hall, following unrest tied to anti-gay sentiments among residents.
In a letter dated October 24, 2025, signed by Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Murungi was suspended with immediate effect to allow investigations into the incident that occurred on October 16, 2025, when he and other students allegedly attacked Kitale Shafiq, accusing him of being gay.
“You, together with other students yet to be identified, allegedly assaulted your fellow student and maliciously destroyed both his property and University property,” Nawangwe wrote.
“This conduct is contrary to the Makerere University Students Regulations, 2015.”
The Vice Chancellor said the suspension aims to “pave way for investigations” and to safeguard the well-being of the university community.
Murungi was directed to vacate the university premises by 5:00 p.m. on Friday and is prohibited from participating in any academic or social activities until further notice.
Violence and intolerance
The disciplinary action follows a letter from Mitchell Hall residents, dated October 20, demanding the university declare its position on homosexuality.
The petition, signed by over 20 students, accused some residents of engaging in “male-to-male relationships” and urged Makerere to “stand against the vice.”
Days after the petition, violence broke out when students allegedly attacked Shafiq, leading to police intervention.
Witnesses claimed that live bullets were fired during the fracas, prompting outrage and calls for accountability.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, condemned the violence, saying:
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable and has no place at Makerere University. Every member of the University community deserves to live without fear of harassment.”
Ongoing investigation
Makerere University has opened an inquiry into both the assault and the events leading up to the violence.
The administration warned that further disciplinary action would follow the outcome of investigations.
“This suspension does not imply an adjudication of guilt; it is a temporary measure to facilitate an orderly investigation and protect University interests,” Nawangwe said.
The incident highlights growing tension on Ugandan campuses amid the enforcement of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023), which imposes severe penalties for same-sex relations.
