Internship students at Makerere are agitated after their lecturers refused to supervise them over delayed salaries. Worse yet, most students don’t even know their supervisors yet their internship is due to end this Friday.
Mrs. Sebaana Harriet, a lecturer and head Internship for Journalism and Communication Students has on this note advised her students to ask for time extension at their various Internship places.
“Until lecturers have been paid, you are not getting supervised so please ask for more time wherever you’re placed,” Sebaana told the students that kept calling her.
This situation cuts across all colleges as Elizabeth Namubiru, a student of Arts in Economics has revealed they have been asked to do the same. This Busia based intern also confided to the Bee that this is very inconveniencing.
“We are out of supplies and we do not have rent for another month. We need to be supervised and get out of here. We have done our part; the University should also act up,” Namubiru reacted to the situation.
The Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has however told Campus Bee that the situation has been handled. “From what I understand, the money was released last week therefore supervision should be starting today,” Mr Mushengyezi told this reporter.
This comes at a time when Makerere management is under pressure of a possible strike if staff June salary is not paid by the end of this week. In a press conference at the Makerere University Guest House, Makerere University Academic Staff Association(MUASA) President, Dr. Mohammed KIggundu told the press that Makerere has up to 5pm on Friday to pay their June dues or else they will devise other means.
Makerere staff are known to stage strikes on key dates like beginning of semesters; so this option can’t be ruled out but then again, Makerere Students are also known to stage strikes when inconvenienced. Could they join the staff? Campus Bee will bring developments on this story.
