This morning, the 5th April 2016 started off with a lot of panic and uncertainty among many Makerere University students as they anticipated a strike on the 60% tuition policy that requires students to clear 100% of their tuition within the first six weeks of the semester. The strike was yesterday set and fueled by a section of students, Makerere University Private Students Association led by its president, Wanyera Simon.
Dr. Simba Ssali Kayunga, a senior lecturer of Political Science, at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at MAK has termed the act as irrational and unrealistic but also blaming it all on the “Kaguta regime.” Concerned students engaged the Professor in small talk at the CHUSS college shortly after the main door- glass entrance had been destroyed by striking students.
The strikes at Makerere University have continued to become more of another course unit and become irresistibly violent as institution property is destroyed, people hurt and lectures put at a standstill.
“The only solution is to close the university and once it is re-opened, let only those who can abide by the university policies and pay in time be allowed to study and do exams,” he said.
According to Dr. Simba, the University’s fourth position in Africa is not because of the students but because of exclusive research carried out by lecturers. Such acts of strikes, in his view are those of shallow minds and that sentimental leaders at the University fuel their existence with an irrational thought to prove their utmost capacity in leadership.
Every organisation needs resources to operate and according to Dr. Simba, students who strike abandon facts like some lecturers are not paid on government payroll and forgetting that the students end up studying less and losing more on the job market.
According to the University’s vice chancellor, Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, he only passes on what the University Council decides on whose composition has students’ representatives.
Tear gas trucks have been deployed in the University, main gate closed and non striking students stuck to their halls of residences all waiting for a firm and well resolved situation.
