Following remarks made by Makerere University Vice Chancellor this morning that the Forum for Academic Staff in Public Universities of Uganda (FASPU) is an illegal organization, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi has fired back.
According to statement sent to all FASPU members that this website has obtained, FASPU is powered by article 29 of the constitution and is also a fully registered association bringing all academic staff of public universities in Uganda together.
Kamunyu branded Nawangwe’s claims “cheap propaganda” that won’t solve the dispute. The FASPU chairperson also addressed the negative energy they have been receiving following their resolution to lay down their tools until lecturers’ salaries are enhanced.
“We want decry the dishonest ways and negative energy that some of our VCs are displaying against their colleagues in the media. As leaders we have chosen not to be diverted by such and we hope that staff, students and the public will treat such with contempt deserved. Lying and dishonesty is not professorial and we have not experienced such in the past. The dispute we have is not a new one and is known to all stakeholders. Therefore, choosing to tell lies about it is marked as cheap propaganda and won’t solve the dispute.” The statement reads in part.
“The inaccurate claim by VC Mak that FASPU is illegal should be ignored. FASPU is powered by article 29 of our constitution and is also a fully registered association bringing all academic staff of public universities in Uganda together.
FASPU is also recognized by all public offices and stakeholders that deal with its affairs and has been negotiating salaries of academic staff as so. It leaders have worked with Hon. Ministers of Education, Finance, Public Service and their Permanent Secretaries on this issue.” Kamunyu added in a statement.
Lecturers in public universities resolved not to engage in any academic programme until the remaining 179.24bn salary enhancement is secured.
