Museveni intervenes in Kyambogo saga
Oct 24, 2006
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni asked striking Kyambogo university lecturers to resume teaching as an investigation into their grievances continues.
By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni asked striking Kyambogo university lecturers to resume teaching as an investigation into their grievances continues.
Museveni who met university staff and students leaders at State House, Nakasero on Monday told the lecturers to continue talks with the cabinet sub-committee investigating their problems.
But by yesterday, lectures had not resumed. Most students were seen loitering around the compound.
Kyambogo University academic Staff association secretary general Ben Enjiku yesterday said staff members would hold a general assembly to discuss whether to resume lectures or not.
By press time, the meeting had not yet started. The lecturers are also demanding the sacking of three top university administrators.
“It is the general assembly that will decide whether we go back to teach or not. But before the general assembly votes on that matter, our position still stands. No teaching till our problems are solved,†he said.
A statement from State House said the sub-committee was formed to solve the lecturers’ problems. It reminded lecturers of their obligation to teach.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and four other state ministers.
The strike, which has paralysed the university for eight days, was a result of the university council’s failure to integrate all staff as permanent employees of the university.
Museveni advised students not to be involved in anti-social behaviour such as a threat to loot shops in the nearby Banda trading centre. He said the government would not entertain such threats.
The statement said the academic staff representatives assured Museveni that they would convince their colleagues to resume lectures.
The student leaders said they were not party to the groups of looters.
With two weeks to begin examinations, students gather for group discussions but many stay away from the main building.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni asked striking Kyambogo university lecturers to resume teaching as an investigation into their grievances continues.
Museveni who met university staff and students leaders at State House, Nakasero on Monday told the lecturers to continue talks with the cabinet sub-committee investigating their problems.
But by yesterday, lectures had not resumed. Most students were seen loitering around the compound.
Kyambogo University academic Staff association secretary general Ben Enjiku yesterday said staff members would hold a general assembly to discuss whether to resume lectures or not.
By press time, the meeting had not yet started. The lecturers are also demanding the sacking of three top university administrators.
“It is the general assembly that will decide whether we go back to teach or not. But before the general assembly votes on that matter, our position still stands. No teaching till our problems are solved,†he said.
A statement from State House said the sub-committee was formed to solve the lecturers’ problems. It reminded lecturers of their obligation to teach.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and four other state ministers.
The strike, which has paralysed the university for eight days, was a result of the university council’s failure to integrate all staff as permanent employees of the university.
Museveni advised students not to be involved in anti-social behaviour such as a threat to loot shops in the nearby Banda trading centre. He said the government would not entertain such threats.
The statement said the academic staff representatives assured Museveni that they would convince their colleagues to resume lectures.
The student leaders said they were not party to the groups of looters.
With two weeks to begin examinations, students gather for group discussions but many stay away from the main building.