After President Museveni’s directive to close the biggest public university in Uganda on November 1, there has been a lot of speculation on when Makerere University shall be reopened.
Today, the Minister of Higher Education Hon. Dr. Muyingo John Chrysostom told parliament during plenary that the nine-member visitation committee [that will look into the affairs of Makerere University to find a lasting solution] instituted by the President will spend three months. The committee commenced its work on November 14.
“The committee needs time to iron out all the issues in Makerere- including sex for marks. This will take them approximately three months,” Hon. Dr. Muyingo told members of the August House.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Ddumba Ssentamu, said that the graduation ceremony that was meant to take place in January cannot happen when the university is still closed.
“We have to wait for the official directive to open the university, until then, the graduation cannot take place,” he said.
President Museveni on November 1 issued an order directing for the immediate closure of Makerere University “to guarantee safety of persons and property”.
The President’s directive followed a student strike that same morning that spilled over into Kikoni and other neighboring areas where striking students went on a looting and property-destruction spree.
