University bans party politics

Mbarara. Bishop Stuart University (BSU) has banned political party activities at the institution.
The university vice chancellor, Prof Mauda Kamatenesi, speaking at the swearing-in of the new students guild council, at the weekend, warned that party politics is against the values of the institution.
“I stand to remind you again of the mission, vision and values of this university that include being non-partisan. You are all requested not to bring political party politics in this university as any such groups are violating what we stand for,” said Prof Kamatenesi.

Justification
The university vice chancellor said as a Christian university, they are all embracing and that being non-partisan is the reason the institution has been able to attract development partnership with several groups.
Prof Kamatenesi pointed that she belongs to a political party she voted for in the last elections but that cannot show her party affiliation at the university.
Asked whether the move does not infringe on the students’ rights, she said they can exercise their freedoms and rights outside the university.

Mr Bernabas Nsengiuva, the outgoing guild president, said student leaders support the university stance on political parties activity at campus as it prevents divisions and tensions that come with rivalry.
“Most of the strikes in some of the high institutions of learning are facilitated by parties, movements and divisions, and I think this is partly the reason the university has never had strikes since its inception,” said Mr Nsenguiva.
He also said although party politics is good for democracy if not handled well, it can be a recipe to violence.

However, some students said the ban infringes on their rights and that the university should revise it.
The new guild council to be led by Mr Alex Mwesiga was asked to uphold values of moral integrity, compassion, transparency, relentless service and academic excellence.
The outgoing guild council was commended for, among others, completing of the guild chambers, starting a multi-purpose complex, setting up a guild forest and ensuring peace and stability at the institution.

THE BACKGROUND
Bishop Stuart University is a Church-based private university founded by the Ankole Diocese of the Church of the Anglican Province of Uganda. The philosophy of the university is based on the Christian understanding of God, mankind and the world. It is also committed to developing individual talents with divine focus that will produce God fearing graduates of acceptable integrity and Christian values.

[email protected]