Lecturer expels students over wearing veils

The school says Ministry of Education’s policy is that students should not wear anything other than

By Ali Mambule

A lecturer at Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing recently sent out two female Muslim students for wearing veils while in class.

Olivia Kyere reportedly ousted Shamim Nakitende and Hanisha Nangoye, saying the school was not an Islamic training centre.

The students reported the matter to the school administrators, who referred them to Masaka district Muslim leaders.

“Kyere must apoligise to us within one month. If not, we shall declare her among the Muslim enemies,” Masaka district deputy kadhi Sheik Hamidu Mugera told Muslims in Masaka Mosque.

However, a school official, who preferred anonymity, told New Vision that the Ministry of Education’s policy is that students should not wear anything other than the school uniform.

“We held a crisis meeting with the ministry’s officials and James Mugerwa, the principle education officer, said if they were not part of the school uniform, veils should not be allowed in lecture rooms,” the official said.

Makerere bans veils from exam rooms

Makerere University in 2008 banned students wearing head gear from entering examination rooms.

The move, which authorities at the time said was intended to prevent cheating, mostly targeted female Muslim students who wear veils.

The controversial ban was reportedly enforced at the school of education and faculties of social sciences, arts and economics and management.

Hundreds of Muslim students at the country's biggest university demonstrated against the policy, which they said was an attack on the Muslim faith.

Source. newvision.co.ug/news