Makerere University Vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has instituted a five members committee to investigate all the allegations that led to suspension of the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi.
Dr. Muhwezi was on January 17, suspended from the university for allegedly indulging in actions that disrupt and injure the reputation of the institution.
According to appointment letter given to Prof. Sarah Kiguli from the School of Medicine who is has been mandated to chair the committee, Nawangwe said the appointment is in line with the Law and the Human Resources Manual of Makerere University, “I am appointing you the a Committee to investigate activities and conduct of Dr Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi,” he added.
Nawangwe said the committee is will in two months be required to submit in a report with recommendation upon completion of the assignment.
Other members of the committee include; Dr. Moses Musinguzi the dean school of The Built Environment (Member), Ms Janet Nabukeera from Directorate of Human Resources (Secretary), Prof. Noble Banadda Senior Lecturer in Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering (Member) and Ms Esther Kabinga form the Directorate of Legal Affairs (Legal Adviser).
According to suspension letter that was signed by the Vice chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, such acts bring the University and its officials into dispute and intimidation of the institution’s officials, using abusive and insulting language, slander and making false statements.
Nawangwe said, despite various warnings, Muhwezi has continued to engage in acts that amount to misconduct including offences under computer misuse act and incitement with intent to cause disobedience or cause strike to undermine University administration.
Upon suspending him, Dr. Kamunyu did not relent in the fight against was he refers as injustices in the mighty institution, he and the group of lecturers petitioned and met the speaker of parliament calling for formation of select committee to probe Makerere University.
Kamunyu said his suspension is related to his involvement in industrial relations activities, asserting that parliament’s intervention is required and that students should not miss school because of the impasse.
“We hope that the University Management will not use the students as pawns, we had thought we would first iron out these issues before students are called back. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” he said.