Court halts Lira University from blocking deputy vice chancellor's appointment, salary
The ex parte order, issued by chief magistrate Joe Fay Adoko on June 30, bars the university authorities from suspending Prof. Dokotum, denying him access to his office, withholding his salary and benefits, or removing him from his position as deputy vice chancellor (academic affairs) pending determination of his application for enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
Lira University deputy vice chancellor, associate professor Okaka Opio Dokotum, with former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero, during her visit to the university some time ago. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
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LIRA CITY — The Chief Magistrate's Court in Lira has issued an interim injunction restraining Lira University Council and its top management from interfering with the deployment of Associate Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum as deputy vice chancellor of the public university in Lango sub-region.
The ex parte order, issued by chief magistrate Joe Fay Adoko on June 30, bars the university authorities from suspending Prof. Dokotum, denying him access to his office, withholding his salary and benefits, or removing him from his position as deputy vice chancellor (academic affairs) pending determination of his application for enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
The respondents in the application are the Lira University Council, vice chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng, University Librarian Dr Andrew Ojulong and University Secretary Augustine Oyang Atubo.
The current vice chancellor of Lira University Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
In the interim order, the court directed that the respondents, their agents and anyone acting under their authority must not violate the applicant's rights by suspending him from employment or preventing him from carrying out his official responsibilities.
The court further ruled that Prof. Dokotum should not be denied access to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (academic affairs) or prevented from acting as vice chancellor whenever required in the absence of the substantive vice chancellor, as assigned by the University Council.
The magistrate also restrained the university from stopping payment of the applicant's salary and other employment entitlements or otherwise removing him from office until the application is heard and determined.
The order was issued after hearing submissions from Dr Adams Makmot Kibwanga, counsel for the applicant, in the presence of Prof. Dokotum but in the absence of the respondents.
Court directed that the respondents be formally served with the application for a temporary injunction and adjourned the matter to July 6, 2026, when the application is expected to come up for further hearing. The costs of the application will abide by the outcome of the main case.
The court's decision temporarily preserves the status quo and shields the senior academic from any disciplinary or administrative action while the substantive application is being considered.
The respondents had not yet presented their defence by the time the interim order was granted.
Background
Lira University, one of Uganda's public universities, has in recent months faced internal governance disagreements involving senior management. The latest court intervention signals that the dispute has now entered the judicial arena, with the court expected to determine whether the applicant's constitutional rights have been infringed.
The matter returns to court on July 6, when the university management is expected to respond to the application.