SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA — Six students of the Catholic University of Kabgayi (UCK) have been expelled indefinitely for alleged misconduct. According to a communiqué posted at the university notice board on April 21, signed by the Rector Fr. Vincent Kagabo, the students are accused of breaching the university values and code of conduct. The students include: Didace Niyifasha, Jean Baptiste Dushimimana, Sr. Cécile Mukangango, Sr. Florence Uwizeye, Ancille Mujawamariya, and Martin Nzabandora- all fourth year students in the Faculties of Journalism and Communication, Development Sciences and Social Sciences. The students have however, brushed off the accusations which they said are baseless, unfair and not subjected to any concrete reasoning. They appealed to the Ministry of Education to intervene and resolve their problem. One of the students, Didace Niyifasha, also a news presenter on a local FM station Radio 10, said he believes his dismissal was linked to news broadcast on the radio about students’ attempted strike last month. “The other affected students have been expelled as a result of giving information to journalists during the recent row between students and the administration,” Niyifasha claimed. Other continuing students, who spoke to The New Times, on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, also expressed shock at their colleagues’ predicament and dismissed the reasons cited in the Rector’s letter. Fourth-year students recently boycotted classes for a week, threatening to continue the strike actions over increased tuition. However, the university administration vowed to maintain the fees increment, saying it was done in accordance with the university guidelines. Earlier on March 31 four university workers were fired and they also claimed that their contracts were unfairly terminated. Other students have said there is need for intervention of the Kabgayi Catholic Church authorities to tackle what seems like a growing impasse between students and the university administration. Efforts to contact Bishop Smargde Mbonyitege, the university board chairman for a comment were futile, as he is reportedly out the country. Fr. Kagabo was inaugurated early 2007, replacing Fr. Josephat Hitimana. Ends
