Makerere University has instituted a 7 members committee to resolve the existing conflict with born again christians (Balokole).
The committee appointed by the acting vice chancellor Prof. Henry Alinaitwe has been tasked to investigate the alleged discrimination of born again christians.
In his letter dated September 5th, Prof. Alinaitwe says Makerere has taken the Allegat seriously and is working tirelessly to resolve the conflict.
“Makerere University is an inclusive institution which upholds the freedom of religion and worship for members of the university community. Management has taken seriously the allegations of religious inequality and discrimination and has set out to resolve these matters transparently…,”the letter reads in part.
The committee includes Assoc. Prof Helen Nambalirwa, Assoc. Prof Sarah Ssali, Dr. Chris Tuhiriwe, Winifred Kabumbuli, Faith Tabusa, Ritah Namisango and Mark Wamai.
The institution of the committee follows a complaint by Pastor Martin Ssempa filed with the Equal Opportunities Commission. In the petition to the commission, pastor Ssempa says Makerere University has continuously frustrated their efforts to have a place of worship.
In the petition, Pastor Ssempa demands that Makerere University offers born again Christians space to construct their own church just like other religions.
Speaking to this reporter, Pastor Ssempa said he was happy with the speed at which Makerere is resolving the matter and believes the committee will do him justice.
“I believe the committee will do me justice. We are dealing with systematic discrimination and they have said they are going to do a research about the ongoing discrimination,” he said.
Pastor Ssempa reasserted that they (born again christians) should be given land to build their own church.
The head of Makerere Community Church, which ceased operating with the onset of Covid-19, says his church was not allowed to open after Covid-19 yet other places of worship are still operating.
According to Makerere University council guidelines, there are three main religions recognised at the Institution and these are Catholicism, Anglican faith and Islam.
