Nawangwe suspends Makerere academic staff association chairman

Dr Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has suspended the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa), Dr Deus  Kamunyu.

According to the January 17 suspension letter to Dr Kamunyu, Prof  Nawangwe says that despite various warnings, the Muasa boss has continued to engage in acts that amount to misconduct including offenses under computer misuse.

Prof Nawangwe says in the letter that Dr Kamunyu has continued to incite with intention to cause disobedience, strike to undermine the university administration, intimidation of university officials, using abusive language and making false statement.

Prof Nawangwe also says in the letter that security reports have also shown that Dr Kamunyu has continued to incite other staff to disrupt university activities and engage in related unlawful conduct and the university can no longer tolerate him.

“You have routinely been advised and engaged to stop your aforesaid misconduct but you have not taken heed, therefore in order to protect the reputation of the university, its activities, personnel and property from your disruptive activities, I hereby suspend you from the university in accordance with section 5.9 (b) of Makerere University human resource manual,” the letter reads in parts.

It adds: “A committee will be constituted to investigate your said conduct and you will be invited to participate in its proceedings. During your suspension, you will receive half pay and you will not be allowed to access university premises, office or property,”

Dr Kamunyu has also been asked to prepare a handover  report and handover all university property to his supervisor since his suspension take immediate effect.

Dr Kamunyu has acknowledged receipt of the letter but said he would  comment on the issue after consulting his lawyers.

During the 69th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, President Yoweri Museveni commended Prof. Nawangwe for disciplining his staff most especially those who are involved in sexual harassment cases.

In December last year, the university sacked 45 staff and suspended two others over various reasons ranging from assault, insubordination, late handing in of students marks among others.

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