Makerere University scraps evening courses

Makerere's Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Photo/File

Makerere University Council has  resolved that all new students starting with the coming Academic Year 2018/19, be admitted to study on either the day programme from 8:00am to 5:00pm or on the afternoon programme from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

Addressing a press conference at the Universities main building, Makerere's Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that the move would not affect the continuing students but the new ones.

"Since all continuing students of Makerere University currently enrolled on the evening programmes will continue with their studies until successful completion, there is need to continue remunerating staff offering services on the evening programme," he noted.

Nawangwe also announced that he had constituted a committee of five professors headed by Prof. Sylvia Tamale from the School of Law to investigate all sexual harassment cases and any that may be brought to them by the general public and that a report should be ready in two months.

Other members of the committee include Assoc. Prof. Betty Ezati Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa Assoc. Prof. Christopher Mbazira and Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.  He noted that since 2006 when the Universities Policy on Sexual Harassment came into force, they had dismissed five lecturers; many are on suspension and others in courts of law. "I appointed this five-member committee to help us completely deal with this vice," he noted.

He reassured the Universities development partners that the University has zero tolerance to sexual harassment.

Nawangwe also defended his decision to suspend Ronald Ainebyoona who openly testified on TV that he forged academic documents to get nominated to run for Guild Presidency. "We have also submitted this case to police because bribery and forgery are criminal offenses," he said.

On the decision to suspend serving meals to university students, the Vice Chancellor noted that out of the 6000 government students, 4000 are non-residents and they therefore cater for their own feeding. Only 2000 who reside in Halls are what we have been catering for.

"From the research that was carried out by the office of the Dean of Students, it was observed that 50% of the students wanted to get their money. The University student's affairs committee is going to find affordable service providers who will be providing meals to students at affordable rates, at designated places within the University," Nawangwe added.