'Makerere closure may affect donor funding'

Edaucation shadow minister Margaret Wokuri  flanked by the former Makerere guild president Denis Oneka addressing a press conference. Photo by Wilfred Sanya

The opposition is concerned that Makerere University closure may affect donor funding.

Shadow education minister, Margaret Wokuri, has appealed to the government to re-open the University arguing that donors may withdraw funding.  

 "Donors are worried over the closure of Makerere University. Their funds are not being utilized according to the agreements they had with the university," Wokuri told a news conference in Kampala.

The Norwegian government and other donors facilitate research projects at Makerere University and there is fear that they could withdraw over closure.

She urged government to use the 2011 Omaswa report on Makerere University which has viable recommendations for the institution's most problems.

Following the lecturers strike in 2011, a committee headed by Prof Omaswa was set up, whose goal was to understand challenges faced by Makerere University and propose solutions that would result in a Well-motivated, Equipped and Resourced, Administrative and Support staff.   Professor Omaswa and his team submitted their report to the government in February 2014

She appealed to all the old students of Makerere University and well-wishers to join the fund raising drive to raise funds for the lecturers to be held on Thursday December 1.

The President Yoweri Museveni ordered the closure of the University on November 1.