Edward Mutebi, the Minister for Culture, Mobilisation and Social Affairs of Makerere University, has been suspended by the Guild President, Gracious Kadondi, for twenty days following an altercation at the Freshers’ Ball on Saturday.
Ms Kadondi said the decision paves the way for necessary investigations into the expected standard of conduct required of a guild minister, which Mr Edward Mutebi failed to meet.
”This suspension is for a period of twenty-nine (29) days pending the conclusion of necessary investigations and a final decision on the matter. The basis of this action is the expected standard of conduct required of a guild minister, which Hon. Mutebi Edward has failed to meet.” The notice dated November 1, read.
Ms Kadondi explained that the suspension is pursuant to Article 83(1) of the Makerere University Students’ Guild Constitution 2022, which vests in the Guild President the power to suspend a member of the Cabinet.
”I hereby suspend Hon. Mutebi Edward, Minister for Culture, Mobilisation and Social Affairs.” She noted.
During the period of suspension, Mr Mutebi will be barred from exercising any of the powers, duties, or functions attached to the office of his ministry and shall not be allowed to represent the Guild in that capacity.
Mr Mutebi has also been directed to return all instruments of power and any material in his possession relating to the said office.
Mr Mutebi did not pick up or return our calls on his known phone numbers on Sunday evening when this publication reached out to clarify whether he had received a copy of the suspension letter.
However, in a letter shared on Sunday evening via his social media handle X (formerly Twitter), Mr Mutebi said his office has noted with concern queries from the public regarding an altercation during the performance of artist Fik Fameica, and explained that they needed to maximise the little which was allocated for entertainment.
”We have noted with concern queries from the public in regard to an altercation during the performance of artist Mr Walukagga Shafik alias King Kong, Fresh Bwoy or Fik Fameica. We wish to clarify that prior to the event, the organising team had agreed upon guidelines, and in the best interest of time, we agreed that actions speak louder and that the best way to thank Makerereans is by making sure we maximise the little time we have to give them the best entertainment.” The November 1 letter read.
Adding, ”these guidelines were shared days prior and were equally approved by the security team.”
Mr Mutbebi, who issued an apology, said the event was disrupted by rain, forcing them to do away with ”unnecessary ” speeches, a decision, he said, didn’t sit well with some of their stakeholders.
”On behalf of the organising committee, we are profoundly sorry for the little time allocated to some of our performers and to those who were entirely left out of the program.” He added.
The Makerere University Freshers’ Ball held on Saturday night at Impis Grounds drew thousands of students, showcasing local artists including Feffe Busi, Hanz MC and Nina Roz among others.
However, the day took a twist when Fik Fameica took up the stage, but Guild President Ms Gracious Kadondi walked onto the stage with her team and demanded that she address the students before Fameica continued.
The singer responded with a demand that the Guild President leave the stage, turning the scene into a confrontation, prompting intervention from the security as students demanded she leave the stage and the singer continued.
In another scene, an unidentified woman was also spotted walking naked during the event.
The Freshers’ Ball, an annual event, is organised to welcome new students to the university.