Despite the threat to be fired by Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University staff have vowed not to return to work unless their suspended fellow staff are reinstated.
Makerere University is the oldest University in Uganda and is well known for staging different strikes right from students to University staff.
In December, over 40 lecturers were terminated on the issues regarding sexual harassment, insubordination among others.
Last week, Chairperson Makerere University Staff Association, Dr Deus Muhwezi Kamunyu was suspended and ordered to hand over office of which he remained defiant.
On Monday 21st January 2019, lecturers at the same institute laid down their tools as the semester begins
Some students found at the University revealed that no lectures were taking place and many lecturer rooms were locked.
According to the Vice chairperson Makerere University Staff Association, Edward Mwavu, lecturers resolved to lay down tools in objection to new amendment to the University Human Resource policy which gives the University Council powers to dismiss any staff who has a case before court.
“If I Edward Mwavu has a criminal case perhaps brought up by anyone to court, it could be true or an allegation. At that juncture the University will have to take up the case and dismiss me even if I am not yet guilty or innocent. They even say that even if court finds me innocent, they can’t be forced to reverse their decision,” he explained.
“We had an engagement with various institutions of government which are concerned and finally last week on Friday we received a base structure. I don’t want you to quote that we received cash,” Mwavu added.
Makerere University lecturers have condemned the manner in which their chairperson was suspended.
Lecturers have also criticised the tendency by the University Vice Chancellor to suspend or fire his critics.
On Monday many students who had come to attend lectures were seen checking time tables while others hanging around the University.
