Makerere University Deans’ Forum Suspended Amidst Controversy

The recent decision by Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe to suspend the Makerere University Deans’ Forum (MUDF) has sparked intense debate and criticism within the academic community.

The forum, established to promote academic excellence through collective action and capacity building, has been labeled an illegal entity by Prof. Nawangwe, citing complaints regarding its legality.

The Deans, however, have pushed back, arguing that the forum is not an official university organ but rather an internal network of academic leaders, similar to other forums and networks within the university. They have requested that Prof. Nawangwe disclose the complaints received and expedite the investigation and resolution of the issues.

The suspension has raised concerns about academic freedom and the university’s commitment to excellence. Critics have branded the decision as authoritarian, citing Prof. Nawangwe’s history of stifling free expression.

The Deans’ Forum has been a vital platform for promoting academic excellence and bridging gaps across schools, and its suspension has sparked concerns about the impact on the university’s academic community.

READ ALSO: Tanzania to Host 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition

Malawi VP Chilima and 9 Others Feared Missing as Plane Vanishes from Radar

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the university administration and academic staff. The Deans’ Forum has been a symbol of academic solidarity and collective action, and its suspension has raised questions about the university’s commitment to these values.

As the debate continues, the academic community at Makerere University and beyond is watching closely, eager to see how the situation unfolds.

The Deans’ letter, signed by representatives from various schools, emphasized the importance of the forum in promoting academic excellence and bridging gaps across schools. They argued that the forum’s legal basis is guaranteed by the Constitution of Uganda, which protects the freedom to associate and form associations.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate about academic freedom, institutional governance, and the role of university administrators. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Prof. Nawangwe will reconsider his decision or the Deans’ Forum will remain suspended. The academic community is watching closely, eager to see how the university administration will address the concerns raised by the Deans and the wider academic community.