Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) has given government an ultimatum to pay their June salaries within 2 days or they take further steps in getting their concerns addressed.

Kiggundu holding chin while discussing with colleagues in an earlier meeting at the University.

MUASA chairperson, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu said it is unfair for the finance ministry to keep the staff waiting yet they have necessities to pay and that they depend on salaries to service these utilities.

“Some of our staff have resorted to getting quick loans from high interest  money lenders so that their can cater for their transport and by food.The ministry of finance needs to get this issue sorted out urgently before we resort to other means to address our grievances,” a visibly irritated Kiggundu charged.

On June 24, the university secretary, Charles Barugahare, wrote to all staff, informing them that the June salaries would delay due to lack of funds. He later informed them that their monies would be deposited to their accounts by July 13 and 14 respectively.

This has however not happened to date prompting MUASA to call for press briefing about the matter.

According to new rules between the government and Makerere University on salaries of staff, a Government contribution through the ministry of finance is 60% while that of the University is 40%.

However, officials from the ministry of finance have distanced themselves from the salary saga saying their wired their part payment 2 weeks ago.

“Makerere University should be able to explain why there have not been able to raise the 40% contribution from their side yet we sent Government contributions 2 weeks ago. We do not in any way do not deduct salaries and wages of workers,” finance ministry spokesperson, Jim Mugunga is quoted to have said when contacted by the media.

MUASA’s ultimatum officially ended on Saturday by close of business and it is yet to been seen how MUASA members will respond if their money is not deposited in their accounts in the coming days.