MUASA’s Kamunyu suspended from Makerere for 6months without pay

The chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) who is also the Publicity Secretary for the University Convocation (Alumni Association) and a lecturer for Hospitality and Tourism management, Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi has been suspended by the institution.

Kamunyu’s suspension resulted from a decision by the University Appointments’ Board that had retained the role of probing his initial suspension over misconduct and alleged inciting of violence at the University.

According to a source privy to the meeting by the board, Kamunyu has been duly suspended for six months without pay.

When Nile Post contacted Kamunyu, he confirmed the suspension but stated he ‘does not agree’ with the appointments board decision.

“It is very true I have been suspended, but we are doing everything possible to reverse the decision. We are definitely appealing,” he said.

On the terms of the suspension, Kamunyu confirmed it was six months and no pay.

Kamunyu had initially been suspended (January 18 2019) by the University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, citing misconduct and inciting violence amongst students.

In an email later, Nawangwe reiterated that Kamunyu was suspended over his own personal transgressions and not in any way related to his position as MUASA chairperson.

“He was suspended for his personal offenses and these were clearly highlighted in his letter of suspension. Those offences are well known to everybody in the University,” Prof.Nawangwe said.

” Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi was dismissed from MUBS for activities that made that institution ungovernable.”

In the stinging email, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor said Dr.Kamunyu’s bad record was also highlighted by his predecessor Prof.John Ddumba Ssentamu on a number of occasions.

In March however, the university lifted Kamunyu’s suspension following an agreement between the warring sides.

“As part of the consent, the suspension of Dr.Muhwezi has been lifted and he shall submit to the internal disciplinary processes before the Appointments Board,” said the Makerere University spokesperson, Dr.Muhammad Kiggundu.

Prior to this agreement, Nawangwe had appointed a five-member committee to investigate the activities and conduct of Kamunyu.

“As required by law and the Human Resources Manual of Makerere University, I am appointing a committee to investigate the activities and conduct of Dr.Deus Muhwezi Kamunyu,” reads in part Prof. Nwangwe’s letter.

“The committee is required to submit the report within a period of two months with clear recommendations.”