The Islamic University in Uganda ( IUIU) has temporarily suspended its staff due to COVID-19 effects , the Public Relations Officer for the institution Miss Rehema Kantono has confirmed to Campus Bee.
Miss Kantono told Campus Bee in a telephone interview that the action is affecting both administrative and academic staff and it is temporary.
In a statement signed by Dr Talal Almaliki , the University Council Chairman and Dr Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, the institution does not have enough funds to pay staff during the pandemic.
“As you know that Government of Uganda (GoU) temporarily closed all educational institutions as from the 20th March, 2020 as one of the mechanisms of controlling the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) also temporarily closed all its operations except for a few critical ones,”
“By the time of the University’s temporary closure , most of the students had not fully paid their fees. You are also aware that students’ fees is the main source of income for the University. Hence, the University is currently not receiving income from students because of the temporary closure,” reads a statement.
The University says due to insufficient money in its coffers , it has taken some measures.
“Because of the COVID-19 lock-down and the temporary closure of the University, the University shall not be able to pay staff salaries and other entitlements at all its campuses as from 1st June, 2020 until the University reopens and its financial position is good enough to allow resumption of paying salaries,”
“Consequently, all staff employment contracts at all IUIU Campuses shall be suspended indefinitely as from 1st June, 2020 until the University is able to resume normally. During the period of suspension of employment contracts , staff shall not be entitled to any salaries , allowances or any other entitlements,” reads a statement.
However, the University says it will write some staff to resume work and will be notified by 31st May 2020.
“The above not-withstanding , the University shall retain a very limited number of staff in some critical departments , like security that must continue working to protect the University assets and offer some critical services that must continue inspite of lockdown. The staff who will be retained as from 1st June, 2020 shall be written to by the University Secretary and the terms of their retention agreed upon,” reads a statement.
Islamic University in Uganda has four campuses namely Main Campus in Mbale, Kampala Campus in Kibuli, Females Campus in Kabojja and Arua Campus in Arua.
