By Spy Uganda
Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has in a statement released on February 7 warned students that let them strike or not, continuation of blended mode of studying is a must.
Nawangwe says the decision is due to COVID-19 which he says is still in existence despite President Yoweri Museveni’s announcement of the full reopening of the economy.
”The University considers the health and safety of our students and staff as priority number one. There is nothing more valuable than life. After losing four senior members of staff to COVID we must be very cautious,” says Nawangwe adding that he will only reopen university after vaccinating all students.
He adds that the decision to continue with the blended mode of teaching and learning was taken before the full reopening of the economy.
“Secondly, the country is experiencing a surge in infections by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and yet not all students and members of staff have been vaccinated. It should be further noted, that the blended teaching and learning using Open Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) policy was approved in 2015 as the most appropriate mode of teaching and learning in the modern higher education provision,” says Nawangwe.
Nawangwe who has so far suspended 12 students over their demand for physical learning has further warned; “This morning, a group of around 20 students disrupted classes and engaged in other acts of hooliganism. I have suspended twelve (12) of those students who were identified and I will suspend all the others once they are identified. I wish to once again re-assure all our stakeholders that the University Management will continue to enforce disciplinary measures against some students who engage in this unacceptable behavior.”
