Makerere University staff have announced a sit down strike following a decision by the administration to suspend three of their leaders.
The trio- Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), was suspended by Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe with immediate effect for allegedly inciting fellow staff and undermining the university administration.
on Sunday two staff bodies; (MUASA) and Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) announced that their members have withdrawn their services to the university claiming that their colleagues have been suspended for mysterious reasons.
The associations claim that in the previous months several leaders have been sent away or dismissed illegally.
“We reaffirm the resolution on the withdrawal of labour with effect from January 18 until our demands are met. We also denounce in the strongest term possible, the suspension of another association leader Dr.Deus Kamunyu, the MUASA chairperson.”
Reports indicate that 45 lecturers were fired last year on claims of failure to complete studies, financial fraud, insubordination, absenteeism among others.
The university staff associations also demand the removal of Thomas Tayebwa and Bruce Kabaasa from the University Council claiming that their appointment was illicit.
“We also demand for the reinstatement of our suspended leaders Bennet Magara(MASA), Joseph Kalema(MASA) and Dr.Deus Kamunyu,” the statement further reads.
VC Nawangwe earlier reiterated his stance that he will not tolerate insubordination engineered by the senior staff.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni backed Nawangwe saying he should sack all those opposed to his administration.
