Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) founder and former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Gen. Mugisha Muntu has visited Makerere University after the main building was gutted by fire twice in a single day.
Muntu, who is also a former Commander of Defence Forces (CDF), has blamed the devastation on government priorities to keep the regime in power other than serving the people.
Speaking to the press earlier today while at the university, Gen. Muntu made observations about the incident and suggested a way forward for the university management and all stakeholders, especially Ugandans.
“Today, I visited the recently destroyed main administration building at Makerere University. It was heartbreaking to see a place of such historical importance in ashes.” Muntu observed.
He noted that the slow and ill-equipped response of the fire brigade is unacceptable in this era. He rapped the Government of President Museveni for investing in arming itself to the tooth when it comes to quelling legitimate opposition gatherings, but never prioritizes equipment to protect citizens and the economy from fires like these.
“This reveals an unfortunate reality: the regime is focused on its survival not the welfare of the state. This is not a political argument or attempt to score points. It is a fact. And unless Ugandans send a clear message that it is unacceptable, we will have more of the same.” Muntu further said.
“The nature of the fire warranties a swift, thorough and transparent investigation. One would hope that the government would invest in being seen as taking swift, decisive action. On the evidence of similar incidents in the past however, there’s very little basis for such hope.” He added.
He advised the university administration to “quickly” review the health and safety measures put in place across the entire campus, arguing that it would be catastrophic to imagine what would have happened of this was a hall of residence or other such public place.
He committed his party to continue to focus its efforts on impressing upon Ugandans the need for them to organise and strategise at the grassroots level.
“We cannot wait for the goodwill of those in power to start building the Uganda we want.” Muntu concluded.
