By Agatha Biira and Asenath Were
With the increasing cases of theft and robbery in and around Uganda Christian University (UCU), security continues to be a growing concern among students and the community.
Below are reactions from some of the students about the security threats around UCU.
Patric Mutabingwa Wamala-Bachelor of Project Planning & Entrepreneurship Management 3
I think it is the role of the security personnel to keep the university premises safe for students. For the three years I have been here, there have been cases of theft and still are. In the recently concluded exams, property was stolen in the same place where security personnel were patrolling. This means there are some loopholes in the system. There are security personnel and surveillance cameras around UCU, but what is the use if they cannot help students?
Oliver Akello Bachelor of Arts in Education 3
I think this goes back to us as students to always safeguard ourselves when around or outside UCU premises. We should not trust anyone we meet on campus. The people causing havoc are within us and do not have tags that label them as thieves.
Andrew Bugumbe BAMC3
What is happening is really bad, but we should not blame the university. Most students are negligent. We are a problem for ourselves. Some students move late at night, which is very risky for them.
Rose Angella Nakiddu BHR3
The security inside UCU is fine, but maybe they should put security lights along the roads leading to the places of residence, otherwise girls are going to be exposed to sexual assault. Students need to also move in groups to keep each other safe.
The university also needs to conduct a survey on what should be done. It is very rare to hear UCU asking for students’ views about what needs to be done to fix the loopholes. I also think cases reported should be followed up and feedback should be given.
George William Ssenendo Bachelor of Project
Planning & ENT. MGT 3
The security in UCU is far better than that outside, but they need to put more effort into it because during the Easter semester exams, nine phones of my friends were stolen, and yet we had been told that the place has cameras. When we complained, we were told there was nothing that could be done about it. I also think the UCU management needs to make an effort to find out if the places where students stay are safe.
Grace Jane Akello BSAF 3,
Students need to take the personal initiative of being security-conscious because there are some students that do not care because they have never had their property stolen. Some of them even leave their rooms unlocked and move to their friends’ rooms, which is not good practice. I also think the university needs to put security lights on the roads so as to reduce the risk for those that move at night.
Eria Ahumuza Bachelor of Divinity 1
I haven’t even spent a month at UCU, but for the few days I have been around, I have not yet seen any threats. When we reported, our luggage was checked. I should say the security is okay.
Emily Operu Ayikoru BSWAS
I am not exactly a victim, but a friend and I recently witnessed a really terrifying incident when I was escorting my friend who had come to visit. On our way back, we met a guy running and shouting “bagala kunzite” (loosely translated as “they want to kill me”). The man behind him had a panga and a sack. This happened in a dark spot between my hostel and another hostel. I think security lights should be put on these roads to make them safe for us.
