There was tension and fear in Lumumba Hall as Police fired countless live bullets in the air to disperse a rowdy Gongom Guard Brigade (GGB ) which is Lumumba’s personal security brigade comprised of Lumumba Students. The Guard Brigade had attempted to force police constables manning the guild presidential campaigns out of the hall but were put back in line after the police who were armed with guns and live bullets fired shots in the air. The loud bangs from the gun powder and the wailing screams from the students who tried to disperse from the scene caused some ruckus. Most students could be seen fleeing the scene causing a stampede on the hall stairs as students managed to squeeze through the few available exits with a good number scathed, getting hurt and attaining injuries during the process as a number of students tumbled to the ground. Most of the students exited through the only open small western gate as others were seen climbing the fence fleeing for their dear lives. This sent the campaigns into chaos and a moment of frenzy disorganization as the students ran for their lives some escaping to their safe haven hostels in Kikoni and others locking and barricading themselves in Lumumba hall of residence rooms.
The fracas begun when the Lumumba Guard Brigade checkpoint which was controlling rowdy supporters who were violating rally rules was interrupted by police who arrested a one Emmanuel who was part of the Brigade. The GGB couldn’t let him spend even five seconds within police custody. After rescuing him, the GGB regrouped with a much bigger force pouring in, in high gear to order all the policemen on the hall premises to leave in a bid to protect their own. The rally came to a standstill as a scuffle between the GGB, some hall residents and the policemen intensified. When the students out powered the police officers, live bullets were shot in the air to restore calm.
In the end calm was restored with the distortion ending after about 30 minutes after reinforcement from anti riot police. The rally continued peacefully and has ended successfully with chants of “we have won”. The Campustrendz team is on ground and will keep you informed.
By Nick Sakwa
@Nick sakwa facebook & Twitter handle
nsakwa@gmail.com
