Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has blocked a planned joint staff meeting, declaring it illegal and instructing security to prevent it from taking place.
In a letter to the university’s chief security officer, Nawangwe stated, "My attention has been brought to notice of a meeting called today at the Senior Staff Canteen Gardens at 2:30 pm of what is termed Makerere University Joint Staff Association.
" He emphasised that the meeting was illegal, arguing, "There is no association recognised by management which is called Makerere University Joint Staff Association."
He further justified his decision, stating, "The items on the agenda of the meeting are not the mandate of staff associations." Nawangwe then directed security to act, saying, "You are therefore directed to ensure that this meeting does not take place on the premises of Makerere University."
Despite the directive, three key staff associations—Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI-Makerere University Branch), and the Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA)—had scheduled the meeting to discuss concerns over salary harmonisation, governance issues, and allegations of bribery in promotions.
Among the contentious topics was the alleged solicitation of bribes for salary increments, the suspension of staff representatives from Senate, and warning letters issued to association leaders by Nawangwe.
The meeting was also set to address the prolonged acting tenure of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, a position that has remained in limbo beyond the university’s human resource guidelines.
The Vice-Chancellor’s directive comes amid a broader dispute between staff associations and university management over hiring and promotions.
In an earlier petition to the University Council, the associations accused the Appointments Board and Council of corruption, citing irregular promotions and bribery claims.
The petition also questioned the promotion of Nawangwe to professor in 2013, arguing that he did not meet publication requirements.
Additionally, the associations allege that a University Council member solicited a Shs5 million bribe from staff to influence promotions, claims that have further deepened mistrust in the institution’s leadership.
Tensions between Makerere University staff and management continue to escalate, with staff leaders accusing Nawangwe of using intimidation to silence concerns over governance and transparency.
The Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) has pushed back against the Vice-Chancellor’s directive, arguing that the staff associations are legally recognized entities under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001.
In a response letter, MUASA General Secretary Jude Sempebwa stated, “Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda guarantees the non-derogable right of association members to meet on an agenda of their choice." "The executive committee resolved that the meeting should proceed.” he added