A total of 198 students of St Joseph’s Hospital Training School of Nursing and Midwifery in Kitgum have been suspended for demonstrating against a ban of mobile phones.
The students on Monday held a peaceful demonstration demanding that the school authorities reverse their decision to allow them access mobile phones for research since the institution Computer laboratory is ill-equipped.
According to Uganda Radio Network (URN), the students also petitioned the office of the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner William Komakech outlining long lists of their grievances among others; alleged poor welfare, suppression of free speech, lack of recreational activities and denial to participate in external examination.
Other grievances were alleged promotion of sectarianism, corruption and missing of lectures by the institution principal Tutor Rev Sister Elizabeth Candiru whom they resolved in their petition should be sacked.
Dr Pamela Akot, the Medical Director St Joseph’s Hospital Kitgum who is also overseeing the Nursing and midwifery training school says the suspension follows resolutions reached at by the institution management and board of directors.
She said the school management and board of directors during an emergency meeting held on Monday evening deemed it fit for the students to be sent back home to reflect on their actions before they return back to school.
Dr Akot also revealed that 15 students who didn’t participate in the demonstration are however at the school adding they will continue to receive normal teaching while their counterparts are at home.
She said the suspension will last two weeks adding that the students are expected to return with their parents for a meeting on September 23.
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