Police block ministers from Ankole university

There was drama as police in Sheema District blocked ministers Ephraim Kamuntu and Elioda Tumwesigye from accessing Ankole Western Institute of Science and Technology in Kabwohe where a thanksgiving service had been scheduled but was later shifted.
West Ankole Diocese Bishop Yona Mwesigwa Katonene, the university’s chancellor, diverted the service to St Emmanuel Church of Uganda at Kabwohe Archdeaconry last weekend, citing wrangles between some Christians and church leaders in the district.
On Saturday morning, Bishop Katonene reported to the regional police commander, Mr Paul Nkore, asking him to direct guests to the new venue.
It is then that police blocked Prof Kamuntu, the Minister for Water and Environment, Dr Tumwesigye, the State minister for Health, and other invited guests from accessing the university grounds and advised them to go to the new location.
Prof Kamuntu, the chief guest, was seen mobilising guests and directing them to St Emmanuel Church.
“Members, come and we use the church since we have been advised to leave the planned venue. But we are victors in this battle,” Mr Kamuntu said.
During his speech, Prof Kamuntu said he had advised Bishop Katonene on how universities work but the cleric ignored his advice and proceeded with his own decisions.
“The university is governed by organs which work along with the community. It is because my advice has not been taken. I have studied and taught in universities. I think I was helpful in the matters of this project but I was seen as an enemy,” he said.
The Sheema Resident District Commissioner, Mr Willy Turyamubona, said the bishop called him, saying he did not want the function at the original venue because some issues needed to be ironed out first.

“As security, we intended to calm the situation because there was
some contention,” said Mr Turyamubona.

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