By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Anitah Ashemereirwe,
NATIONAL
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has Interdicted with immediate effect Mr. Bernard Wandera, a lecturer at the same university for allegedly assaulting a female student during lectures.
“Pursuant to section 55(2) of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended) as well as the provisions of the Uganda Public Service Standing orders 2021, and the Makerere University Human Resources Manual 2009, I hereby interdict you from the university in order to protect the reputation of the university, its students, and in order not to jeopardize the ongoing investigations,” read interdiction letter in parts
The interdiction follow a viral video on social media inwhich Wandera is seen slapping a female student in a lecture theatre at Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility on Friday November 18.
The letter dated November 19, also bars Wandera from accessing the university premises however, Prof. Nawangwe says that he (Wandera) will be entitled to receive 50% of his salary during the interdiction period.
“During your interdiction, you will receive half pay and you will not be allowed to access your office and other university premises (unless otherwise invited by the investigation committee) until the investigations are concluded and your case is determined by the Appointments Board. This interdiction takes immediate effect,” Prof. Nawangwe ordered
Besides being barred from holding the office, Wandera has also been asked to prepare a handover report to his supervisor; the Head of Department of Social Work and Social Administration which according to the interdiction letter should be overseen by the Dean of students.
Prof. Nawangwe says that the conduct by Mr. Wandera is unlawful and contravenes the terms and conditions of his employment with the university and also violate provisions of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended), the Employment Act, 2006, as well as the provisions of the Uganda Public Service Standing orders 2021, and the Makerere University Human Resources Manual 2009. He added that the the act also immensely injures the reputation of the university.
Makerere University will also institute a committee to investigate the matter proceedings of which the suspect will attend.
