Prof Nawangwe suspends Makerere University’s head of lecturers

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has suspended Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the chairperson for Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Watchdog Uganda has learnt.

In a two-page suspension letter dated January 17, 2018, Prof Nawangwe says despite the numerous warnings to Muhwezi to stop taking part in actions that disrupt the university activities, the lecturer continued to turn a deaf ear.

“Despite various warnings, you have continued to engage in acts that amount to misconduct, including offences under Computer Misuse Act, incitement with intent to cause disobedience and/or strikes to undermine the University administration, acts that bring the University and University Officials into disrepute, intimidation of University officials, using abusive and/or insulting language, slander, insubordination, making false statements, among others,” The Vice Chancellor tells Muhwezi.

Adding, “Your aforesaid unlawful activities contravenes the terms and conditions of your employment with the University and also violates provision s of the employment Act, 2006, the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2010, and the Makerere University Human Resource Manual,2009, and other policies governing employment with Makerere University.”

According to Nawangwe, security reports pin Muhwezi for continuing to incite other staff to disrupt University activities and engage in related unlawful conduct.

The Vice Chancellor has since suspended Muhwezi in accordance with section 5.9 (b) of the Makerere University Human Resources Manual in order to protect the university’s reputation.

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

But Muhwezi said the vice chancellor has no right to suspend him.

“I will be studying the contents of the said letter,” he said.

In December last year, Prof Nawangwe sacked 45 academic staff following five consecutive meetings by the University Appointments Board chaired by Bruce Balaba Kabaasa.

He said that majority of the number they have fired were staff who had absconded from duty for over five years, while others were involved in sexual harassment cases.