According to Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, Makerere University has announced plans to lay off up to 500 non-teaching staff as part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. This decision, confirmed by the university’s administration, has sparked concerns about the impact on staff and the transparency of the process.
MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Exposes Layoff Plans in Parliament
The news was made public by Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, during a parliamentary session on Thursday. Ssemujju disclosed that university staff had approached him with information regarding the looming layoffs, raising questions about the fairness of the restructuring process.
Concerns Over Transparency and Fairness in the Process
“Honourable Speaker and members, some staff from Makerere met me and informed me that the university is going to restructure, and nearly 500 staff members are set to lose their jobs,” Ssemujju stated. He further expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the process and the criteria that would be used to determine which employees would be affected by the layoffs.
Deputy Speaker Calls for Fair and Transparent Restructuring
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, voiced his support for Ssemujju’s concerns, urging the Ministry of Education to ensure that the restructuring process is carried out with transparency and fairness. “The Ministry of Education should take note of this matter. The process must be transparent and fair,” Tayebwa emphasized.
Salary Disparities Fuel Tensions Among Non-Teaching Staff
The planned layoffs come at a time when Makerere University has been grappling with ongoing issues related to salary harmonization. Non-teaching staff have long complained about pay disparities between them and their academic counterparts, particularly after government-imposed salary enhancements that largely excluded them from the adjustments. These grievances have led to repeated strikes and work stoppages, highlighting deeper challenges related to governance and equity in Makerere’s human resources management.
University Council’s 2024 Restructuring Decision and Outsourcing Plans
In response to the announcement, Makerere’s communications office confirmed the restructuring but noted that consultations within the institution were still ongoing. Betty Kyakuwa, the university’s acting deputy chief of public relations, explained that the restructuring was a result of a decision made by the University Council in 2024, following a comprehensive three-year consultative process involving both academic and administrative units.
Collaboration with Government Ministries to Ensure Fair Treatment
Additionally, Kyakuwa emphasized that the university is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to ensure fair treatment for the affected staff members.
Governance Scrutiny Intensifies Amid Restructuring Plans
The restructuring plans have reignited scrutiny of Makerere University’s governance, which has faced criticism in recent years over various issues, including controversies regarding the management style of Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe and the qualifications of certain staff members.
Stakeholders Monitor Long-Term Impact of Restructuring Effort
As the university navigates this restructuring, stakeholders, including staff, students, and the wider public, will closely monitor the implementation of these changes and their long-term impact on the institution’s operations.
