The Makerere University staff have reiterated the decision to withdraw their labour, citing the administration's failure to address long-standing salary harmonisation demands.
They say come Monday, October 7, "a little over 10am", they will withdraw their labour.
During a meeting on September 6, 2024, the Joint Staff Association Executives, comprised of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), and the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI), reviewed the status of their salary harmonization resolutions. Frustrated by delays in implementing the resolutions, they now threaten to strike starting Monday, October 7, 2024.
According to a circular issued by the staff associations, an emergency general assembly is scheduled for Monday morning at 10am at the Senior Staff Canteen to update members on the latest developments and discuss their next course of action.
The letter, signed by the three association leaders, Dr Jude Ssempebwa (MUASA), Dr Justine Namuddu (NUEI), and Irene Namatende (MASA), outlines the pressing need for collective action.
“During the 165th meeting of the University Council, Management presented our jointly agreed position on salary harmonization,' the letter reads in part.
"Therefore, you are invited to a general assembly to receive updates from the meeting and discuss a way forward."
On Tuesday, University Council chair Lorna Magara told the Nile Post that management has completed the process and that arrears dating back to July 1 would be paid to the staff.
Dr Magara said the delays in the harmonization were because Makerere is "complex" - unlike other varsities thar has completed theirs weeks after the government released the money in April.
"The Appointments Board has finalized approvals for over 1,000 staff members affected by salary harmonization. Letters are currently being issued to beneficiaries, and the corresponding salary increments will be paid with arrears from 1st July 2024. The necessary funding is secured.
"The process took longer than expected due to the large number of staff, but it was thorough and inclusive, involving staff unions and representatives," she said.
"Now that it's complete, we encourage all affected staff to focus on their duties."
On Wednesday, the management had a meeting with the staff to explain the settlement but it remains unclear what was reached at and with the joint staff standing its ground, it is possible that the matter was not addressed to a conclusion.
A member of the staff has intimated to this news website that "officials are planning to steal that money".
"Apparently, some crooks at makerere literally want to steal the 12.6 billion!" One of the staff said.
The Nile Post could not independently verify the claims but Mr Yusuf Kiranda, the university secretary, said the staff are already receiving their letters.
As the situation develops, staff members are bracing for what could be a critical turning point in their negotiations with the university.