In a letter addressed to the Makerere University Council Chairperson, Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Chairperson Dr. Deus KamunyuMuhwezi declared industrial action until the government enhances lecturers’ salaries as directed by President Museveni.
According to Kamunyu, MUASA held an emergency general assembly via zoom and resolved that lecturers will not teach until their salaries are enhanced.
The letter added that MUASA resolved to uphold a decision made by the Forum for Academic Staff of Public Universities of Uganda (FASPU) to go on strike starting last Saturday, 6thFebruary 2021.
“After an extensive discussion, the general assembly resolved to uphold the resolution of FASPU that effective February 6, 2021 all academic staff in public universities shall withdraw their labour until UGX 129.24bn for full enhancement of salaries of staff from senior lecturers and below in all public universities is released , as agreed with leaders of FASPU and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda on December 14, 2019.” Kamunyu’s letter reads.
The strike has been declared when Makerere University is preparing to start online studies today, 8th February for finalists and continuing students. It remains unclear whether lecturers in other public universities will uphold FASPU’s resolution as well.
Below is the letter;