The Makerere University Council chairperson Ms Lorna Magara has come out to send a serious warning to the university’s lecturers who have been threatening to strike over delayed salary enhancements. This was during a council meeting held on Tuesday June 2nd.
According to Magara, the council has received information from the press in addition to a letter she received from the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Chairperson Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi about the planned industrial action.
According to MUASA, they have not received their salary enhancements following the distribution of UGX 50 Billion by the government. The money was reportedly distributed to universities mainly to enhance their salaries following president Museveni’s pledge to pay a Professor UGX 15M monthly.
Magara has however warned that the matter should be taken to the Ministry of Education and Sports instead of declaring an industrial action.
“As University Council, there are realities I must put into context. This matter which relates to a Presidential pledge and which was handled directly by the Ministries of Education and that of Public Service. The staff would have to engage the respective Ministries for resolution of their concerns,” Magara said.
According to Magara, the university staff have to fulfill their obligations in accordance with their employment contracts without fail. She further warned that those who are planning to strike will be dealt with accordingly.
“I would like to sound a Clarion call to management to ensure that any staff who fails to honor their employment obligations is handled in accordance with our governing policies,” Magara warned.
Makerere University lecturers and other officials remain idle at home following the government’s decision to close all universities over COVID-19. These lecturers are however paid monthly salary despite the closure.
