Makerere strike: MPs turn away Nawangwe

Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe was turned away by Members of Parliament on the Education Committee for appearing without the Makerere University Council Chairperson.

The council is the supreme governing body of the university. It is responsible for the overall administration of the university and ensuring the due implementation of the objects and functions of the University.

Without prejudice it is responsible for the direction of the University academically, financially, and administratively.

The committee chaired by Jacob Opolot had written to the University Council chairperson Ms Lorna Magara, requesting her to appear before the committee over the on-going impasse at the University.

However on Tuesday Prof Nawangwe appeared without Ms Magara and other top management members.

Nawangwe told the MPs that Ms Magara was convening an urgent meeting at the University to resolve the on-going strike, and could not appear before the committee.

However, committee chairperson Mr Opolot said the University requested the MPs to postpone the meeting to today in the hope that the University council chairperson would attend.

Emmanuel Ongiertho, the MP Jonam County in Nebbi says the University is not taking the current impasse seriously.

Prof Namwange was tasked to ensure that members of the University council appear before the committee on Wednesday.

Last month, Prof Nawangwe suspended Dr Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the Chairperson Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) for alleged indiscipline and inciting staff.

The others suspended earlier were; Bennet Magara, the Chairperson Makerere Administrative Staff Association and his General Secretary, Joseph Kalema.

Their suspension has since caused a stand-off between the university management and teaching staff.