Makerere University lecturers seek meeting with Prof Nawangwe over their suspended leaders

Members of the three association leaders who were recently suspended have asked to have a meeting with Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof.Barnabas Nawangwe to solve the impasse.

Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) chairperson, Dr Deus Kamunyu and Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA's) Bennet Magara and Joseph Kalema were recently suspended prompting a strike by the lecturers which has entered a 10th day.

However, in a letter dated January 28, signed by the MUASA Vice chairperson, MASA vice chairperson and NUEI chairman , the three bodies say they have keenly reflected on the ongoing impasses at the university and that the only solution is dialogue.

"We believe that if we are availed opportunity to dialogue you our dear Vice Chancellor and the university management team, we can find lasting solutions and more harmonious ways of providing our services to this prestigious university," reads in part the letter to Prof. Nawangwe.

"We also note that on our part and that of management, there are numerous lessons that can be learned from the current events at the university."

Insist on lifting suspension

The lecturers have however insisted that the university ought to lift the suspension of the three Makerere association leaders and letting free Ruth Iteu to represent MASA on the University Council.

They have also asked for a meeting with the university management to among others present their grievances, propose suggestions on the current impasse and also provide lessons learnt by both the association leadership and university management.

"If this is possible, the associations will have some way forward to convene a joint emergency general assembly."

Suspension done illegally

This comes at a time when law dons have weighed in on the suspension of Makerere University association leaders saying it was done illegally and unconstitutionally.

On Monday, the Makerere University law dons penned down a five page document explaining how the suspension violated various laws.

"It is therefore unconstitutional and unlawful for University Management to suspend or otherwise purport to discipline a leader or official of a Staff Association or union for any act done in furtherance of Staff Association or union interests of the staff members of those associations," the law dons said.

Prof. Nawangwe has always insisted that the suspension of the lecturers' leaders was inevitable.