President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has Friday warned lecturers in government universities that government will not let them hold it to ransom over matters that affect them.
President Museveni sounded the warning on Friday while speaking at the event held to officially commission Kabale University, install its Chancellor and Graduate its Tenth batch of Students.
A total of 2120 students were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciplines.
The President, — vividly displeased by the lecturers’ strike at Makerere University that resulted in him closing it this week –, said that the lecturers are failing to understand the priorities of government and choosing to hold government on ransom which he said was futile.
President Museveni says lecturers cannot continue holding government to ransom
He noted that while government is aware of their genuine demands, they must be patient and more understanding.
Museveni said dons must be exemporary to their students and not mislead them.
Coming about Kabale University which was recently acquired by Government, Museveni said he was happy with the progress there and the services it is providing.
Incidentally lecturers at the university went on a sit down strike over nonpayment recently leading to the postponement of its graduation.
Work at the University was paralyzed after lecturers decided to lay down their tools demanding for their salaries for period of 8 months.
Two weeks ago, the government moved in to save the situation and released money for three months after students joined their striking lecturers, demanding for services.
Kabale University has student from across the East African region
Speaking at the same function John Chrysostom Muyingo, the state minister for higher education revealed that there is need for the lecturers to embrace dialogue in the quest for their salaries and allowances.
Prof George Mondo Kagonyera the new Chancellor called for a quick intervention to address the challenges that have crippled service delivery at the institution.
“We should not be notorious but famous, I have not been paid my terminal from Makerere but I have not gone on the streets to strike. Leave strikes to sugar cane growers,” said Prof. Kagonyera.