Speaking on behalf of the staff, the MUASA Chairperson, Dr. Robert Kakuru, noted that they have been wondering why the University Council is silent on the issue yet Prof Nawangwe’s contract is left with 1 month and 15 days.
During her keynote address, Prof.Joy Constance Kwesiga, former personal secretary to Kalimuzo noted that despite his great contribution, his name had been left in books and in the memories of those who lived what is now history.
Heaping praises on Nawangwe, who has been at the helm of the university since 2017, Prof. Suruma noted that the vice-chancellor has done a remarkable job propelling the university to new heights thus deserving a second term to continue and complete his great works.
Ever since preparations for the centenary celebrations started, the university management has been chest-thumping that the iconic building, which was opened by the colonial government in 1941 will be restored in record time and act as a gift for the centenary celebrations.
When URN reporters visited the two institutions, most of the lecture rooms were empty with students spread all over the college compounds at Wi-Fi spots attending online lectures.
The exemption has been given by the finance minister, Matia Kasaija, who approved the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme as a supranational scheme to offer retirement benefits to employees of the university.
The 27-year-old student enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws Degree on a government sponsorship in 2012 and was expected to graduate in 2016. Before joining the university, he had studied at Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo for his A'level and Ntare School for O'level. This implies that Burobuto did not have a financial challenge, and did not possibly fail his papers.
Previously, each graduand would be accompanied by two people, preferably parents or guardians to the graduation ceremony that is usually held in the university Freedom Square. However, due to COVID19 pandemic induced restrictions, attendance was limited to doctoral and Masters degree graduands plus a few undergraduates who excelled in their respective course obtaining a first-class degree.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the University's Vice-Chancellor says that over the years, the highest number of PhDs conferred at a single congregation was 75. He, however, is optimistic that the increase is a positive step towards their objective of transforming Makerere into a research-led university.
However, on Monday morning, several parents showed up at the function but they were not allowed to go beyond the cut off point that was put around the School of Languages, Literature, and communication - just a few metres before Freedom Square.
A report from investigations that were carried out by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Ministry of Works points to electricity as the likely cause of the fire that reduced to ashes the 70-year-old building which stood tall as the face of higher learning in the region.
At the height of the tragedy and subsequent crisis that the fire cast onto the institution, the University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe allayed fears saying that "all our records past and current; Human Resource, student, academic and financial records are safely stored in digital form."
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University, says the decision to sack Kisuze was based on the court ruling and university policy of “zero tolerance” to sexual assault.
Prof Umar Kakumba, the Makerere University Deputy Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Academic Affairs, says they intend to integrate online and physical classes while observing the Standard Operating Procedures. “The calendar we have produced is subject to the government’s decision on school reopening. All we are doing is preparing for all possibilities such that in all circumstances we keep engaging our learners,” said Prof Kakumba.
The iconic building, also known as the Ivory Tower, was gutted by a mysterious fire on September 19 sending a shock wave to the country, as history spanning close to eight decades reduced to ashes.
