Makerere University has interdicted Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, a senior lecturer and former Dean at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), over allegations of abscondment from duty. However, questions have been raised about the process, with Ssempebwa challenging the fairness of the disciplinary action.
According to a letter dated January 21, 2025, from Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Ssempebwa was accused of conducting only two of the expected fifteen PhD lessons during the first semester. The letter, which demanded that he “show cause” within two days why disciplinary action should not be taken, was received by the Office of the Dean on January 29, 2025, as indicated by the official stamps.
Shockingly, just one day after he received the letter, before the deadline for his response had elapsed, Dr. Ssempebwa was served with another letter interdicting him from duty. This raised concerns about whether he was given a fair opportunity to defend himself.
In his response on social media, Dr. Ssempebwa pointed out the apparent irregularities in the process, questioning why the letter informing him of the allegations took eight days to reach him, yet the interdiction was issued within hours. He further revealed that even his immediate supervisor, the Principal of CEES, was unaware of any complaints regarding his teaching until January 29, when he received his copy of the letter.
“The letter asking me to show cause needed 8 days to reach me, but other things didn’t,” Ssempebwa stated, implying that the university administration acted with undue haste. He also hinted at additional evidence suggesting he was replaced as Dean before his interdiction was finalized.
This development has sparked debate about administrative processes at Makerere University, particularly regarding fairness and due process in handling disciplinary matters. Dr. Ssempebwa has vowed to present evidence of his diligence in teaching and to challenge the decision.
As the situation unfolds, questions linger about whether due process was followed and what this means for academic governance at Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning.
