Mak students to join striking staff

Kampala.

A students strike threat hovers over Makerere University days after the university’s non-teaching and support staff laid down their tools over failure by government to pay their arrears.
The students have given government and the university management an end of the week ultimatum to resolve the impasse that has also affected other public universities.

Warning
Mr Jothan Burobuto the university’s acting Guild President said much as they support the strike of non-teaching staff, they (staff) should consider the new students asserting that if the university doesn’t open on Saturday, they will match to the President’s office since he is the one who made the promise to the non-teaching staff that their arrears would be paid.

“In case this situation persists beyond August 6, on Monday, we shall proceed to the President’s office seeking a redress since its his letter that bred this unfortunate situation,” Mr Burobuto said.
Mr Burobuto, who was addressing journalists at Makerere University Main Building said activities at the university have come to a standstill due to the strike leaving halls of residence locked as well as lecture rooms thus inconveniencing the work of the students’ body.

On Monday, the impasse prompted Makerere University Convocation leaders led by Dr Tanga Odoi to assume the role of non-teaching staff and issue letters of admission to students.

Inconveniencies
Mr Odoi, a former lecturer at the university who is now the NRM electoral commission chairman said they could not watch as students, some of whom are children of convocation members, suffer.

The deputy Vice Chancellor, finance and administration, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, said the guild president had not communicated to the university authorities about any plans for the demonstration. He, however, said the students were free to strike.

“It would be unfortunate if the students join the strike because the strike is not for them, if they want to show solidarity they can get other ways other than holding a demonstration, they should wait for negotiations with government to be completed,” he said.