Makerere lecturers want council disbanded

L-R: Mr Charles Wana-Etyem, the University Council chairperson and Mr Deus Kamunyu, the Muasa chairperson.

KAMPALA- Makerere University lecturers have asked the Minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni, to dissolve the university council over underperformance.

This is after the lecturers under their umbrella body, Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa), passed a vote of no confidence in the council, citing various reasons.

The lecturers blame the declining student enrolment on the poor decisions made by the council and its constant interference with the employment system by the appointments board, which they say is threatening stability at the university. They also accuse the institution of financial mismanagement and that the members are not fit to sit on the council as observed in a report by the Makerere Visitation Committee.

In an August 15 letter to Ms Museveni, Dr Deus Kamunyu, the Muasa chairperson, said the university continues to experience challenges that require her attention and action. “In our recent general assembly of August 3 and adjourned, members observed with great concern the persistent decline in the overall performance of the university council in playing their oversight role. The assembly passed a vote of no confidence in the current university council and resolved that you should dissolve it with immediate effect,” the letter reads in part.

He said the general assembly agreed to reconvene and review progress and take appropriate action on September 28.

Ms Museveni’s personal assistant referred us to the ministry spokesperson, Mr Patrick Muinda, who said he could not comment on the matter since it was addressed to the minister.

Council head responds
The university council chairperson, Dr Charles Wana-Etyem, said they follow what is enshrined in the Universities and Other Tertiary Tuition Act 2001.

“We do not want child’s play all the time. Just consult the Act and you will be able to get who has the say on what. There must be some order in the society; you cannot have people saying things without serious thinking,” he said in a telephone interview.

According to the Act, the council is the supreme organ and is responsible for the overall administration of the functions of the university, among others.