Makerere staff threaten to strike as academic year starts

Makerere University staff members are considering industrial action at the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year if the University Staff Appeals Tribunal is not reinstated immediately, reports The Independent. The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the University Joint Staff Associations.

In a 17 July letter addressed to the university council, the joint staff representatives expressed concerns about the prolonged suspension of staff appeals and delays in staff promotions, creating an unhealthy working environment. The Staff Appeals Tribunal has been suspended for nearly four months on the grounds that it was not properly constituted due to the chairperson, Justice Patrick Tabaro, lacking the requisite qualifications.

The suspension of the tribunal has caused tension among the staff, as it removes an essential avenue for seeking justice in cases of dismissal. The tribunal has historically provided a platform for dismissed staff to challenge decisions made by the appointments board and ensure a fair hearing. Despite a directive from University Chancellor Professor Ezra Suruma to reinstate the tribunal, no action has been taken by the university council as of the current date.
Full report on The Independent site