President Yoweri Museveni has directed Makerere University council to open the university and resume business, Chimp corps report.
The directive comes days after a decision by Makerere lecturers under their umbrella body, the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) to suspend their strike unconditionally to allow the visitation committee to carry out their duties without hindrance.
According to a letter dated December 24th by the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, and addressed to the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, the President, who is also the visitor to all public universities in Uganda notes that the cause of the closure was the lecturers’ strike and lauds MUASA for the “patriotic” act.
“The Visitor has now directed that since MUASA had been the cause of the closure of the University in the first place, now He welcomes the patriotic act of agreeing to resume teaching. Therefore, Makerere University Council should now make the necessary arrangements for the University to reopen,” the letter reads in part.
The President, according to the letter, further guided that all stake holders of the University continue to discuss what needs to be discussed while the visitation committee continues with its assignment in a conducive environment as it interacts with University staff.
“This is therefore to communicate that H.E President’s directive and require Makerere University Council to take immediate action,” Hon. Janet further wrote.
Museveni ordered for the closure of Makerere University on November 1st after a series of violent strikes by students that left property with in and around the University vandalized.
The students’ actions were prompted by the decision by MUASA’s to lay down tools as they protested against nonpayment of their incentive arrears.