Embattled Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has again pressed the controversial button in a bid to normalize the standoff at the Ivory Tower.
According to the letter dated 13th February and addressed to the university’s Dean of students, Nawangwe noted that the Guild Elections have been suspended to provide a conducive environment to facilitate the process of returning the University to full normalcy.
“Reference is made to the communication by the guild speaker regarding extension of student’s guild elections. Accordingly, I hereby suspend the students’ guild elections to provide a conducive environment to facilitate the process of returning the university to full normalcy,” Nawangwe’s letter reads in part.
He added that an extension for the process will be permitted in accordance with article 73 (1) of the students’ Guild Constitution should circumstances say so.
Isaac Kwagala, the Makerere Guild speaker confirmed receipt of Nawangwe’s letter.
The letter does not specify when the elections will be conducted. However, one of the resolutions made during last evening’s council meeting suggested that the Makerere University Academic Staff should return to work this Friday, 15 th February something that has not yet been honored.
This comes a day after Nawangwe called for the indefinite closure of the School of Law, accusing it of fanning the staff strike that is now in its third week.
Nawangwe’s recommendation is contained in a report to the University Council led by Lorna Magara. In his presentation at the emergency council meeting on Tuesday, Prof Nawangwe claimed that whereas all other colleges have since resumed teaching, the School of Law has not, hence calling for its closure.
The suspension comes amid increasing cases of violence and ‘hooliganism’ among rival candidates’ supporters.
Certain rallies have often ended in exchange of brawls and stone-throwing among rival camps
