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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Demands for salary harmonization took center stage at the inauguration of the Makerere University Academic Staff – Muasa’s new executive.
Led by Chairman Dr. Robert Kakuru, Muasa’s new executive took oath on Thursday at the College of Business and Management Services- COBAMS, marking the beginning of a new two-and-a-half-year term. The other members are Dr. Christine Myangu as Vice Chairperson, Assoc. Prof Jude Ssempebwa as General Secretary, Arthur Mugisha as Vice General Secretary, Dr. Micheal Kizito as Treasurer, Dr. Oscar Mugula as Chairperson of the Welfare Committee, Dr. Gerald Walulya as Chairperson of the Public and External Relations Committee, and Dr. Maureen Mayanja as Chairperson of the Academics and Research Committee.
For a long time, Makerere University staff have been advocating for salary harmonization with counterparts in other public universities. The staff argue that it is grossly unfair for individuals with similar qualifications to receive different salaries, with some earning only half of what their counterparts in other public universities receive.
Speaking to Muasa members who attended the inauguration, Kakuru said that they have been cooperative and patient with the administration for a long time, but they could not get any assurance because the same issue was brought before parliament last year but funding was never allotted.
In January, Muasa and Staff Associations declared a new industrial action commencing on January 15, 2024, but they later resolved to call off their strike and give chance to the government to resolve the matter. This was made after they held talks with the University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
But in his speech, Kakuru declared that this will be the last time they are halting their strike, and If the matter remains unresolved in the upcoming budget, they will revert to their previous resolution.
Responding to the matter, Professor Henry Arinaitwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration said that the government is aware of the issue because it has frequently presented the issue to Parliament and they are working to ensure it is incorporated in the new budget.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Academics said that the issue of salary harmonization was again taken to parliament last week, and once again addressed to the Education Committee and got assurances from the Ministry of Education.
Kakumba added that the administration will continue to promote dialogue and engagement with the Muasa executive in case of challenging policies, and believes that it would be a constructive approach to address challenging policies rather than resorting to confrontation.
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