The Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) chairperson Dr.Deus Kamunyu has said he will not bow to anyone despite his suspension being lifted by the university.
The university on Wednesday announced they had lifted the suspension after entering a consent agreement with Kamunyu in regards the matters that led to his suspension.
However, in a message to his fellow lecturers, Kamunyu vowed to continue fighting for his own rights and those of others at the university.
“I wish to state that as a leader, I love Makerere University and my country, I cannot sit and watch when the integrity of its systems are undermined. Nothing can bring me to my knees when I choose to act in its defence while following established rules and as a citizen,” Kamunyu told his fellow lecturers at Makerere.
In his message, Kamunyu said he will not wither on his efforts to see a better run institution and one that promotes intellectualism adding that only honest dialogue, mutual respect and transparency can lead to transformation of the university.
The MUASA chairperson however noted that as agreed in the consent agreement, he would submit to the Appointments Board processes since there are fresh charges initiated against him.
“We agreed that under this arrangement, the Appointments Board shall adhere to principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.”
He noted, “I will therefore resume my duties as a lecturer in the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism tomorrow morning. My heart and thoughts are with my other leaders Mr. Bernet Magara and Mr. Joseph Kalema who i believe the Appointments Board will reinstate soon.”
Following Dr.Kamunyu’s suspension, there were accusations between him and Prof.Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor.
Nawangwe told lecturers and other staff members that he had no problem with MUASA but rather its chairman, Dr Kamunyu.
“He was suspended for his personal offences and these were clearly highlighted in his letter of suspension. Those offenses are well known to everybody in the University. Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi was dismissed from MUBS for activities that made that institution ungovernable,”Nawangwe said in a stinging email to the university academic staff and top management.
However, on the other side, Kamunyu insisted that he had been suspended wrongly and vowed never to bow down to anyone.
Here is Dr.Deus Kamunyu's communication to fellow lecturers in full;
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, the High Court of the Republic of Uganda lifted my suspension in a consent Judgement delivered by Justice Lydia Mugambe. We agreed that since the Appointments Board had initiated fresh charges, i will submit to Appointments Board processes. We agreed that under this arrangement, the Appointments Board shall adhere to principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.
I wish to state that as a Leader, I love Makerere University and my country and i cannot sit and watch when the integrity of its systems are undermined. Nothing can bring me to my knees when i choose to act in its defense while following established rules and as a citizen.
I look forward to a better run institution and one that promotes intellectualism recognizing the industrial relations function. I believe that honest dialogue, mutual respect and transparency can cause transformation in our University and enable us to deliver on our important mandate of nurturing for generations.
I will therefore resume my duties as a Lecturer in the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism tomorrow morning. My heart and thoughts are with my other leaders Mr. Bernet Magara and Mr. Joseph Kalema who i believe the Appointments Board will reinstate soon.
I thank Staff of Makerere University, Students, the Parliament of Uganda, friends of Makerere University, the Media Fraternity, Public Universities Staff, the NRM Workers League, NOTU, family, relatives and friends who stood with us. Your support is heartily appreciated.
We Build for the Future. For God and My Country
We are Stronger Together.
Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi (PhD)
CHAIRMAN
