KAMPALA – Academic staff in public universities under their umbrella organization Forum for Academic Staff in Public Universities (FASPU) have vowed to lay down their tools effective June 4.
In a letter signed by all chairpersons of academic staff associations of public universities, the chairperson FASPU Dr Grace Lubaale noted that they shall withdraw their labour until the UGX 5Obn for FY2020/21 is distributed based on the salary structure for academic staff developed by the Ministry of Public Service.
Lubaale said in a meeting held on May 26, FASPU executive appreciated the the effect of COVID-19 on the economy and agreed to receive the Shs50b provided for in the budget FY 2020/21.
“However, the meeting observed that the distribution of UGX 50bn lacked the pro rata principle as reiterated by His Excellency the President during the December 14, 2019 meeting held at state house with leaders of academic staff associations, also attended by officials from the Ministry of Finance Planning and economic development, Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Education and Sports,” reads an excerpt.
According to Lubaale, FASPU has so far written four letters objecting the unfair distribution of the UGX 50bn which she says negates the pro rata principle that Minstry of Public Service is going ahead to undermine.
He, however, advised students and other stakeholders to remain calm until the matter is resolved.
Pro rata payment refers to an amount of pay an employer quotes an employee based on what they would earn if they worked full-time.
Presenting the sector’s manifesto performance last week, the Minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa revealed that by FY 2020/2021, public universities will be enhanced on average by 75% of the long term pay targets.
He added that under the budget for FY 2020/2021, more funds have been provided to enhance Associate Professors, Professors, the Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellor as well as researchers under NARO to 100% of the long term pay targets.
“Other Teaching staff and Scientists in Public Universities have as well been enhanced,” he said.
