Makerere University has launched an immediate review of its security and event management procedures following an incident in which a woman stripped naked during the university’s Freshers’ Ball, sparking public outrage and renewed questions about the management of social events on campus.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, occurred during the Freshers’ Ball held on Saturday, October 31, at the university grounds. Videos circulating online show the woman climbing onto a table and undressing in front of a cheering crowd, triggering widespread criticism over the conduct of participants and the university’s responsibility to maintain order at campus events.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Makerere clarified that the woman involved was a former student, distancing her from the newly admitted students who were the primary target of the annual event.
The university said it had taken note of the incident and did not condone behaviour that undermines the values and standards expected of its community members.
“The University wishes to clarify that it does not condone any conduct that undermines the values, principles and standards of behaviour expected of members of the University community,” said a statement signed by the Dean of Students, Dr Winifred Kabumbuli.
Makerere said it was undertaking an immediate and comprehensive assessment of security and event management arrangements at university-sanctioned social gatherings to establish possible gaps and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The review comes amid growing public debate over the university’s ability to regulate large social gatherings held within its premises, particularly events that attract people beyond the student community.
The university also acknowledged an appeal from the woman’s family, which asked members of the public to stop sharing videos and photographs of the incident. The family expressed concern over the continued circulation of explicit footage, which has raised questions about the woman’s privacy and dignity.
Makerere explained that the Freshers’ Ball, traditionally organised to welcome newly admitted students into university life, is a public event that also attracts alumni and members of the general public.
The incident has prompted calls for restraint, with media personalities and student representatives urging social media users to stop circulating the footage and consider the potential harm its continued distribution could cause to the woman involved.
The Freshers’ Ball was also overshadowed by a separate confrontation involving musician Fik Fameica and student leaders, further fuelling controversy surrounding the event.
In the aftermath of the reported clashes and allegations of mismanagement, Makerere Vice Guild President Gracious Kadondi suspended the university Minister for Culture, adding another dimension to the controversy over the organisation and management of the annual gathering.
The developments have placed the university’s event management arrangements under scrutiny, with questions emerging about crowd control, security supervision and the enforcement of acceptable conduct during university-sanctioned activities.
Makerere, however, said it remained committed to ensuring that students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders enjoy a safe and dignified environment.
“Makerere University remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive and dignified environment for all its stakeholders,” the statement reads.
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