MAKERERE – The strike at Makerere University, led by the Joint Staff Associations, entered its fifth day on Friday, with no resolution in sight. The industrial action began on October 7, as members of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), and the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI) – Makerere Branch pushed for the harmonization of unresolved salary issues.
Following a general assembly held to assess the progress of the university’s salary harmonization plan, the staff associations resolved to cease work starting at 1:00 p.m. on October 7. The decision came after what they described as unfulfilled commitments from the university management regarding the harmonization of salaries.
In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Ms. Lorna Magara, the Joint Staff Associations outlined their conditions for resuming work, demanding that: The total amount of Shs 12,636,589,200 earmarked for salary harmonization should be paid to all eligible staff, following calculations made by management, approved by the University Council, and included in the Government of Uganda’s FY 2024/2025 budget, along with any arrears.
Many lecture halls across the campus on Friday remained closed, leaving students frustrated and uncertain about when classes would resume. The normally vibrant atmosphere of Makerere University was subdued, with the bell from the newly renovated main building marking the hours against an unusually quiet backdrop. Many lecturers were absent, further contributing to the uncertainty, though some colleges appeared unaffected, with lectures proceeding as usual.
Out of the university’s 10 colleges, only four—College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), College of Computing and Information Science (COCIS), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), and the School of Law—ceased classes entirely. This left students from these colleges feeling anxious about their academic progress. “It’s hard to stay motivated when we don’t have classes,” remarked a student from CHUSS. Typically, students from CHUSS and CEES rely heavily on their college libraries, but with the libraries closed, they were left without crucial resources, heightening their frustration.
In contrast, the science-focused colleges, such as the College of Agriculture and the College of Natural Sciences, maintained a sense of normalcy. Lectures continued as planned, and the College of Agriculture even conducted tests throughout the day, both in person and online. “We don’t know much about the strike,” a student from the College of Agriculture explained. “We just see updates on WhatsApp groups and statuses from students in other colleges.”
One lecturer from the College of Engineering, Art, and Design, who chose not to join the strike, expressed his commitment to students. “I believe in our students’ education, and I will continue to support them during this challenging time,” he said.
Meanwhile, government-sponsored students seized the moment to stage a protest at the Central Teaching Facility 1, also known as Frank Kalimuzo Hall, demanding their overdue allowances. Their chants echoed through the otherwise quiet campus, emphasizing their frustration with delayed payments. One student highlighted the issue, saying, “In my first semester in 2023, we received Shs 900,000. In the second semester, it dropped to Shs 750,000, and this semester, we’ve only been given Shs 400,000 out of the Shs 800,000 we’re supposed to get. First-year students have only received Shs 70,000 so far.” The protesting students made it clear that they would continue their demonstrations until their grievances were addressed.
The strike has also impacted businesses that rely on the student population. The Guild Canteen, typically a bustling hub offering a range of services, experienced a notable slowdown. A worker at a nearby printing station noted, “We’re not working as hard today (Friday) because most of our customers are students from the affected colleges. They usually come to print assignments and buy notes, but with the strike, there’s hardly any demand.” Even popular dining spots like Maama Ken restaurant at Africa Hall saw fewer patrons, as many students stayed away from campus.
Students are now urging the university administration to resolve the strike as exams loom closer. Having already paid their tuition, many students feel they have covered only a fraction of the course material, raising concerns about their preparedness for upcoming assessments. “We need the university to act quickly,” said Kalange Abdul Hajim, a student at Makerere. “We’ve studied very little, and we cannot be expected to perform well in exams with so many classes canceled.”
As the strike drags on, the pressure mounts on the university leadership to find a solution and restore normalcy to Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning. For now, the campus remains divided between those calling for action and those hoping for a swift resolution to their academic uncertainties.