Makerere University declares strike illegal, vows to deal with ‘lawless’ staff

Makerere University has insisted that the ongoing strike by its staff is illegal.

The university management says in a circular that they have not received an official notice of industrial action as required by law from any of the staff associations yet they have continued to mislead students and some members of the staff with strike pronouncements.

“This circular serves to inform all the stakeholders, particularly the members of staff and students that Makerere University is open and will remain open for normal business. All staff, who are carrying on with their official business are encouraged to continue doing so without intimidation. All members of staff and students are encouraged to disregard the illegal pronouncements by a section of the staff,” says management.

Adding, “All staff who have not resumed duties are hereby directed to do so immediately. Management will not allow a situation of anarchy to continue while the students are suffering.”

The management further warns that any attempts by sections of staff to disrupt normal business at the University will be dealt with firmly.

“Those who do not want to work MUST allow those who want to work to do so.”

On the other hand, the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has assured the University Community that the Council and Management will address any issues of concern to the staff as communicated earlier by the Chairperson of Council through legal avenues.

On Monday, the University staff under Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa), Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (Masa) and National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) resolved to continue with their strike until the issue of suspended leaders is solved.

The staff went on strike at the start of the semester following the suspension of Dues Kamunyu Muhwezi (Muasa Chairperson), Bennet Magara (Masa Chairman) and Joseph Kalema (Masa General Secretary) for alleged misconduct.