Heartbreaking news hit the airwaves a week ago, about the unpaid wages of workers in Kyambogo University. This initially wouldn’t be so alarming as the civil servants (who work full-time) do not have any salary arrears. But the predicament is, over 70% of the lecturers in the university are part-timers, and none of these have been paid for the last four months. Also, one ignored issue is that apparently, lecturers have not received allowances for marking exams since 2014.
Rev. Dr. Grace Lubaale, the Chairperson KYUSA, which is the umbrella organization of all the staff in the university says,
“Part-time staff have not received their wages for January, February, March and April. Also, those that work full-time but lecture for extra hours have not received their allowances.
These people have been taught students, set and marked for this long without receiving the payment they earned and it is very absurd. Actually, the amount is way greater than the said 1.12 Billion. Even the full-time lecturers who give extra lectures have not been paid for their services.”
Asked about the mood of the lecturers, the Reverend responded,
“I understand the pain they go through. They are dismayed and it is very understandable. These people have families to cater for; children need school fees, not forgetting nourishment.”
Finally, Dr Lubaale commented about the way forward in case the arrears are not paid in the time frame allocated by the Vice Chancellor,
“I cannot tell you exactly what will be done. All I can say is we shall come up with a decision after the meeting. Whether to strike or not, I cannot be sure!”
The Bee will be availing you with the details from the meeting.
