Parliament is set to investigate Makerere University crisis that has left the University staff at loggerheads with the institution’s top mismanagement.
This was confirmed by Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga while responding to a petition presented to her by the suspended leaders of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA).
In their petition, MUASA learders led the suspended Chairperson, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi asked the Speaker to have Parliament investigate issues related to mismanagement of public universities in the country especially Makerere university .
Sam Lyomoki, the Workers Representative, who accompanied the MUASA team said that the suspension of Makerere university staff by the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe is unconstitutional and would affect students greatly.
Dr.Isaac Wanzige Magoola, General Secretary of the University Professional Academic Staff Union said that as much as focus has been put on Makerere, there is need for Parliament to probe into the running of the affairs in public universities, arguing that what is going on in the public universities is worse than the rot Bank of Uganda.
“There is victimization through illegal suspensions and dismissals. In some cases, you find people in perpetual acting capacities, people acting for four years and use of short term contracts where you find people given contracts of six months perpetually and other illegal appointments where you find people appointed illegally which don’t follow standards or procedure, adamant denial of vibrant associations to do their work,” Magoola said.
He further called on Parliament to intervene in the Makerere fiasco and first reinstate all leaders that have illegally been suspended.
“In some cases, people are denied entry. We think, this has reached the pinnacle at Makerere University that is why it is attracting national attention but it is everywhere where you find the Council is there, but it is using arbitrary committees set outside the structures to victimise people and because of this, the rot has reached the top, action must be taken,” he explained.
In response to the petition, Kadaga requested the petitioners to furnish her with a copy of the report by the late Abed Rwendeire Visitation Committee and find out the gaps before an investigation is conducted.
“Of course I regret that so much is going on at the prestigious University, all of us are alumni to that University and it is a matter of concern but certainly, we are going to look into the issue and of course you will be invited for public hearing so that the Committee will hear from you,” Kadaga said.
