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The inauguration of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa)’s new executive was marked by resounding calls for salary harmonization among university staff.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairman of the new Muasa executive, led the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the College of Business and Management Services (COBAMS), initiating a fresh two-and-a-half-year term. The executive team comprises Dr. Christine Myangu as Vice Chairperson, Assoc. Prof Jude Ssempebwa as General Secretary, Arthur Mugisha as Vice General Secretary, Dr. Michael 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.
The issue of salary harmonization has long been a concern for Makerere University staff, who argue for equal pay with counterparts in other public universities. They contend that it is unjust for individuals with comparable qualifications to receive varying salaries, with some earning significantly less than their peers elsewhere.
Addressing Muasa members at the inauguration, Kakuru acknowledged their patience and cooperation with the administration over time. However, he emphasized their frustration at the lack of progress, noting that previous attempts to address the issue in Parliament failed to secure funding.
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In January, Muasa and other staff associations had announced an industrial action scheduled to begin on January 15, 2024. However, following discussions with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, they opted to suspend the strike, giving the government an opportunity to address their concerns. Kakuru warned that if the matter remains unresolved in the upcoming budget, they will reconsider their stance.
Responding to the demands, Professor Henry Arinaitwe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, assured that the government is cognizant of the issue. He highlighted efforts to present the matter to Parliament and ensure its inclusion in the new budget.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Academics, Professor William Bazeyo, added that the issue of salary harmonization was recently revisited in Parliament, with assurances from the Ministry of Education. He stressed the ongoing dialogue between the administration and Muasa as essential for addressing challenging policies.
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