The Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has today released a post demonstration statement in which he clarifies that business at the Ivory Tower will continue as usual. Nawangwe further explained that examinations will start on 18th November as planned and the semester will not be extended.
“Management calls upon all students and staff to resume classes immediately. Security for those carrying on with their duties will be provided. Examinations will commence as planned on 18th November 2019 and there will be no extension to the Semester.” Nawangwe wrote.
Nawangwe, who has been on International duties during the demonstration period has also highlighted that the university management was willing to halt some of the charges on new students but the striking scholars were impatient and couldn’t wait for the council’s decision.
“Management had however requested the students to await a meeting of Council, which would discuss the petition submitted to the Chairperson of Makerere University Council regarding the fees structure. As It were, the students were not patient enough to await the meeting of Council and decided to start demonstrations which culminated into riots.” He added.
“On 29th October 2019, the University Council held an emergency meeting and decided to halt any further increment on functional fees, but kept the 15% increase on tuition fees for the next three years. This decision was apparently not acceptable to a section of the students and a few continued with their riots mostly off campus. The situation on campus is gradually normalising.” Nawangwe’s statement reads further.
The strike has resulted into the suspension of 9 students while 26 others have been issued with strict warning letters. Kateregga Julius, the university’s guild president is still missing as it is believed that he spent the night in coolers.
Read Nawangwe’s full statement here
