Makerere University has described this morning’s shocking protest by one of their academic staff, Dr. Stella Nyanzi as regrettable.
On Monday morning, Makerere University’s Institute of Social Research attracted media attention after Dr. Nyanzi stripped naked in front of cameras protesting the oppression and illegal closure of her work
premises by her boss, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Ddumba Sentamu told journalists at a news conference shortly after that the university condemns strongly the act of undressing in public.
“Much as this was her way of expressing her concerns, but we condemn the nudity displayed and we don’t condone it in any way.”
The Vice Chancellor explained that the university has learned of the contention between the two parties (Dr. Nyanzi and Prof. Mamdani) and a process will be initiated to resolve it.
“On Friday, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Barbanas Nawangwe wrote a letter to Mamdani asking that Dr. Stella Nyanzi retains her office but maybe he hadn’t received it.”
Regarding the morality of the nude protest, the Vice Chancellor said he will invite Dr. Nyanzi for a discussion.
“As a university, we are going to set up a committee to establish what the existing issues at MISR are. I cannot begin to condemn either of the two parties before getting a clear understanding of the
situation.”
Dr. Stella Nyanzi has since the Monday protest been granted access to her office following directives from the University Administration.