MPs accuse Nawangwe of failing to make independent decisions

A Member of Parliament has suggested to his colleagues on the Education Committee to relieve embattled Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe of his duties for sometime because “he has failed to make independent decisions.”

Mr Emmanuel Ongiertho, the Jonam County MP says Prof. Nawangwe’s does not seem to be in charge given what he described as his erratic decision making in the face of crisis.

“My first submission is to relieve him of his responsibilities for some time. You [Nawangwe] seems to be getting instructions from somewhere,” Mr  Ongiertho said without elaborating.

He said: “But you are a professor. You should sieve the instructions you receive while managing Makerere [University].”

He said that it’s strange that Prof Nawangwe has problems with members of staff and students yet the report his team presented to MPs sounded as if his administration is adorable.

Prof Nawangwe and members of the university council were Wednesday appearing before the committee to explain the current  impasse between the university and students over tuition and other administrative issues.

Bugiri MP Municipality MP, Mr Asuman Basalirwa, who is a former Makerere University Guild president, told Prof Nawangwe to desist from suspending and expelling students and members of staff but resort to amicable conflict resolution.

"When it comes to handling students, be parental. Expulsions and suspensions can cause more tension," he said.

Mr Dan Kidega, the vice chairperson of Makerere University Council, said the Council would soon address students' pressing issues.