A section of Makerere University staff, primarily represented by the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) and other affiliated groups, has declared their intention to initiate a strike today, citing longstanding grievances regarding salary disparities.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, the chairperson of MUASA, expressed the frustration of the university staff, stating that their patience has worn thin as they have waited in vain for the government to address and align their salaries with those of counterparts in other public universities. The issue of salary harmonization has been a persistent concern, prompting the staff to take collective action.
In response to the looming strike, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, has urged the aggrieved staff to reconsider their decision and allow the government more time to address the salary disparities.
“I appeal to them that they postpone the strike which was scheduled to begin on Monday and give time to Council and Management to continue engaging government agencies concerned with this matter and parliament,” said Vice Chancellor Nawangwe.
Professor Nawangwe clarified that the harmonization exercise was concluded last year, but the approval process coincided with the 2023/2024 budget, causing delays. He further stated that when the matter was returned to the Public Service, the Ministry assured that the allocated funds would be incorporated into the 2024/2025 financial year budget.
The impending strike by university staff is a critical development as Makerere University prepares for its 74th graduation ceremony, scheduled to commence on January 29, 2024. The potential disruption raises concerns about the impact on the academic calendar and the overall functioning of the institution.
As negotiations between university staff, government agencies, and the Ministry continue, the academic community anxiously awaits a resolution to the salary disparities issue, hoping for a swift and amicable solution to avert the threatened strike.
