Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious higher institution, is preparing to lay off up to 500 non-teaching staff in a sweeping restructuring exercise.
The move has sparked alarm among employees and lawmakers, reigniting debates over fairness, transparency, and long-standing governance issues at the university.
The looming layoffs were revealed in Parliament on Thursday by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who said concerned staff had approached him over the matter.
“Some staff from Makerere met me and informed me that the university is going to restructure. Close to 500 staff are set to lose their jobs,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju raised questions about how the decision was reached and the criteria being used to determine who stays and who goes. He urged Parliament to closely monitor the process to prevent unjust terminations.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa echoed his sentiments, calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene.
“The Ministry of Education should take note of this matter. The process must be transparent and fair,” Tayebwa said.
The restructuring comes on the heels of unresolved grievances, particularly over salary disparities. Non-teaching staff at Makerere have long decried unequal treatment compared to their academic counterparts.
While lecturers and professors have benefited from government salary enhancements, many administrative workers have been left behind—fueling discontent and repeated strikes.
Makerere’s administration acknowledged the restructuring plans but insisted the process is grounded in careful consultation.
According to Betty Kyakuwa, the university’s acting deputy chief of public relations, the move stems from a 2024 University Council decision following three years of dialogue across departments.
“The University Council concluded a comprehensive restructuring of all academic and administrative units. This includes outsourcing cleaning and security services to enhance operational efficiency,” Kyakuwa explained.
She added that Makerere is working closely with the Ministries of Public Service and Gender, Labour, and Social Development to ensure the affected staff are treated fairly.
Despite these reassurances, the development has reignited public scrutiny of Makerere’s leadership and management style.
The university has previously faced backlash over staff treatment, salary inconsistencies, and controversies surrounding Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe’s administration.
With the livelihoods of hundreds hanging in the balance, stakeholders are demanding a restructuring process that is not only efficient but also humane.
The coming weeks will determine whether Makerere can balance cost-cutting with compassion—or face deeper institutional fallout.
