Drama as Makerere students throw party for suspended don
A section of Makerere University students present a cake to the suspended Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa), Dr Deus Kamunyu. PHOTOS BY DAMALI MUKHAYE
What you need to know:
- Dr Kamunyu, the chairperson of Makerere Administrative Staff Association, Mr Bennet Magara and his deputy Joseph Kalema are some of the staff members who were recently suspended by the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe over allegations of indiscipline, prompting lecturers to lay down their tools.
Dramatic scenes unfolded at Makerere University on Friday as a section of students threw a surprise party for the suspended Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa), Dr Deus Kamunyu.
Students led by the Guild clerk, Danson Twesigomwe also launched a campaign to stand in solidarity with Dr Kamunyu and other suspended members of staff and students.
Mr Twesigomwe said that there is no longer freedom of speech at the university claiming that it has become a habit for the university management to suspend their critics.
The students asked Dr Kamunyu to stand firm and always defend his values and not be intimidated by the university management.
Dr Kamunyu was recently quoted saying his suspension letter was very vague, harsh, in bad faith and against all laws of Uganda.
“It even undermines my rights as a citizen to have access to my official home, public buildings and related services. The Letter unfairly portrays me as a criminal, but you know me better than that. In the circumstances, my lawyers, friends and all concerned citizens are studying the suspension details with a view of giving appropriate advice. My next step will be made known to you soon,” he said in a statement released shortly after his suspension on January 18, 2019.
However, the students who were holding placards and wearing white caps with writings “Where’s my suspension” chanted "Nawangwe must go" as they presented a cake for the suspended don to cut.
"Our alma mater university is under siege and dictatorship whereby if one comes out to speak against the bad policies, they are suspended. We even fear passing near the main building,” Mr Twesigomwe said.
Dr Kamunyu, the chairperson of Makerere Administrative Staff Association, Mr Bennet Magara and his deputy Joseph Kalema are some of the staff members who were recently suspended by the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe over allegations of indiscipline, prompting lecturers to lay down their tools.
The staff have called for an emergency meeting between them, management and the students’ leadership to resolve their differences after students threatened to join the strike.
