Lawyer Male Mabirizi has strongly condemned the expulsion of Akiso Benjamin, the Guild President of Kyambogo University, calling it unconstitutional and promising to challenge it legally.
On Thursday, Akiso was officially dismissed from the university following charges of b reach of peace, mounting roadblocks, and insubordination to university authority. These charges were upheld by the Students’ Affairs and Welfare Committee and later approved by the University Council during its 111th meeting.
However, Mabirizi—known for his strong stand on constitutional matters—says the university acted outside the law. In a statement posted online, he wrote:
“AKISO BENJAMIN was charged & ‘convicted’ of OFFENCES which don’t comply with Constitution Art.28(12). BREACH OF PEACE, MOUNTING ROAD BLOCKS & INSUBORDINATION are VAGUE & don’t pass the test set in previous court rulings. DISMISSAL will be NULLIFIED.”
According to Article 28(12) of the Ugandan Constitution, any offense must be clearly defined by law. Mabirizi argues that the offenses listed against Akiso are too vague, and therefore cannot be used to take such a serious action like dismissal. He referenced past rulings by courts that demand clarity in defining offenses, including those by prominent legal minds like Justice Kenneth Kakuru (RIP) and public figures like Andrew Mwenda, who have spoken against vague laws.
Mabirizi also noted that expelling a student for raising concerns about tuition reforms goes against the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression within educational institutions. He hinted that legal action may soon follow to reverse the university’s decision.
The case is now drawing national attention, not just because of the student politics involved, but also because it raises serious questions about how universities handle leadership, discipline, and constitutional rights.
While Kyambogo University insists it followed internal rules, critics like Mabirizi say internal rules must still align with national law—and in this case, they didn’t.
As more voices join the conversation, it remains to be seen whether Akiso’s dismissal will hold—or be challenged and overturned in court.
