The staff of Makerere University have reiterated their plan to go on strike, citing the administration’s failure to address their long-standing demands for salary harmonization. The Makerere University Joint Staff Association, which includes the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), and the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI), confirmed that the strike will commence on Monday, October 7, 2024, if their grievances remain unresolved.
In a meeting held on September 6, 2024, the Joint Staff Association reviewed the progress of salary harmonization. Frustrated by delays in implementing resolutions that were agreed upon, the associations decided that collective action was necessary. The staff have now scheduled an emergency general assembly for Monday morning at 10 a.m. at the Senior Staff Canteen, where they plan to update members on the latest developments and decide their next steps. The letter announcing the meeting was signed by Dr. Jude Ssempebwa (MUASA), Dr. Justine Namuddu (NUEI), and Irene Namatende (MASA).
In the letter, the leaders emphasized the urgency of the situation. “During the 165th meeting of the University Council, Management presented our jointly agreed position on salary harmonization,” the letter reads. The staff are now demanding clear answers and immediate action.
Meanwhile, the University Council chairperson, Dr. Lorna Magara, has sought to reassure staff. She stated that the salary harmonization process is now complete, with arrears dating back to July 1, 2024, set to be paid. Dr. Magara acknowledged that the process had taken longer than expected due to the complexity of Makerere University compared to other institutions. She explained that over 1,000 staff members were affected by the salary adjustments and that letters confirming their new salary scales are already being issued.
“The Appointments Board has finalized approvals, and the corresponding salary increments will be paid with arrears from 1st July 2024. The necessary funding is secured,” Dr. Magara said. She emphasized that the process was thorough and inclusive, involving staff unions and representatives, and urged staff to return to their duties now that the matter was being resolved.
However, despite these assurances, tensions remain high. A meeting between university management and staff took place on Wednesday, but the outcome of that meeting is still unclear. The staff associations remain firm in their position, indicating that the issue may not have been fully addressed.
Further complicating the situation are unverified claims from some staff members who allege that a portion of the funds allocated for salary harmonization may be at risk of misappropriation. One anonymous staff member claimed, “Apparently, some crooks at Makerere literally want to steal the 12.6 billion!” While these accusations could not be independently verified, they have added to the atmosphere of distrust.
University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda confirmed that staff are already receiving their letters and that the salary adjustments will proceed as planned. However, with the joint staff associations holding their ground, it remains to be seen whether the strike will go ahead or if a resolution will be reached before Monday.
