Makerere reopens to empty lecture rooms

Some two students in lecture room. PHOTOS/by Nicholas Oneal

Makerere University on Monday reopened after two months of closure.

The university administration announced that students report on Monday and lectures resume immediately, but students were returning in small numbers.   

After two months of closure, lectures were supposed to resume Tuesday but because of low student turn up, lectures did not kick off.

By press time, some of the lecture rooms were open but there were no students, while at the halls of residence, students were just bringing in their luggage.

Grace Nabulo, first year student pursing a bachelor's degree in Agriculture and Rural Innovation said "I have a lecture in the afternoon, but with the low turn up of students, I do not think we shall have it. Lecture rooms are empty, students are still very few."

Joan Nalugemwa, a second year student said they did not have lecturer because students were just reporting.

Ritah Namisango, the Makerere spokesperson said the continuity of the first semester officially starts today, students were turning up in fairly good numbers and lectures are expected to resume tomorrow.

In November last year, President Yoweri Museveni ordered for the closure of Makerere University over continued strikes embroiled with lectures and students.

This came after several attempts by the University Council to end the lecturers' strike by offering to pay lecturers' incentive allowances for one month immediately following a crisis meeting.