By our reporter,
Kampala
The Makerere University Joint Staff Associations have strongly condemned the suspension of the Deans’ Forum by Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe. In a letter to the Vice Chancellor, the staff associations expressed their exception to the suspension, citing violation of fundamental human rights and academic freedoms.
The Deans’ Forum, a platform for academic excellence and collective action, was suspended without due process, according to the staff associations. They argue that the suspension is unconstitutional and violates Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda, which protects freedom of association.
The staff associations also criticized the Vice Chancellor’s actions as a violation of due process, presumption of innocence, and academic freedom. They demanded that the suspension be rescinded and that the Vice Chancellor refrain from actions that undermine human rights and academic freedoms.
The letter, signed by Dr. Robert Kakuru, warns that if the suspension is not lifted, members of the university community will be forced to seek protection from other human rights defenders. The development has sparked tensions at the university, with staff and students expressing concern over the administration’s actions.
The suspension of the Deans’ Forum has raised questions about the university’s commitment to academic freedom and human rights. The staff associations’ stance has been seen as a bold move to protect the rights of academics and students at Makerere University.
