Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has this morning revealed that the Forum for Academic Staff in Public Universities of Uganda (FASPU) is an illegal organization which has been calling upon lecturers to lay down their tools ahead of reopening.
While speaking on NBS TV’s Morning Breeze on Wednesday morning, Nawangwe disclosed that he is not aware of any staff strike, adding that online lectures that kicked off on 8th February are going on smoothly.
Nawangwe further explained that the university is prepared to receive freshers for on campus classes come 1st March 2021.
“I am aware that some organisation called FASPU, not provided for anywhere in the Universities and Tertiary Institutions Act that has been calling on staff to lay down tools.” Nawangwe said before adding that “That organisation ( FASPU) is illegal, I am also aware our staff are working online, and we expect to open for on-campus classes for freshers come March 1st, 2021. FASPU should stop confusing the people.”
The Makerere VC further assured the public that the Makerere University Council expects lecturers to report to their respective departments. Nawangwe admitted that there are complaints regarding salary enhancement for academic staff but he urged the affected individuals to carry out their duties as they negotiate with the government.
“The staff may have grievances with the government. The University Council employs the staff. As far as the University Council is concerned, all staff are expected to be at their workplaces and carry out their duties as they negotiate with government.” Nawangwe said.
Lecturers in Public Universities decided to go on strike starting 6th February 2021 in a bid to secure the remaining 127.24bn for their salary enhancement.
