African school Makerere University has been shut down by Uganda president Yoweri Museveni. This comes as the aftermath of student and staff protests.
Quartz reported that the directive by the president was issued on Tuesday evening, Nov. 1. The university was closed "with immediate effect, until further notice, in order to guarantee safety of persons and property."
Museveni also took to Twitter to make the announcement. "I have this evening ordered for immediate closure of Makerere University until further notice to guarantee safety of persons and property," he tweeted.
Makerere University, known as Uganda's highest learning institution, was shut down after protests by its academic staff and students. The school's educators went on strike in late October and refused to teach.
Apparently, the government has not paid professors their allowances. They decided to go on strike until the government pays their incentive arrears in full. The current outstanding payment has reached about 30 billion Ugandian shillings, which is equivalent to over $8.3 million.
According to local source NTV, Makerere University's Vice-Chancellor professor Ddumba Ssentamu welcomes the school's closure. He believes that the president's decision to shut down the institution was long overdue.
Moreover, the vice chancellor blames inadequate funding for what is happening in the university. He is being pressured to resign by his critics who believes that he has mismanaged the institution.
New Vision noted that the police will keep watch over Makerere University. Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, explained that it is to keep the university property safe.
Students and staff can no longer enter and use university facilities such as the tennis court, playground as well as library. This is until the school is reopened.
Guild president Roy Ssembogga is planning to petition the minister of education and sports, Janet Museveni, over the shutdown. Janet Museveni has assured the public that the government is doing all it can to address the issue.
