Reports of a purported leadership crisis at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Nakawa, have been refuted by school officials.
“There is no crisis at MUBS whatsoever. The institution is run on a solid foundation, and we’re confident in our ability to continue delivering quality education,” a top official at the university said. And added that rumors about the institution are baseless.
“Rumors of a crisis are baseless and misleading, and we assure our stakeholders that everything is under control.” The purported crisis has its roots in Prof. John C. Munene’s retirement, having attained the obligatory retirement age of 75 years. Officials reassure that the transition has been smooth and well-planned, despite speculations to the contrary.
With contract renewals lasting up to 75 years, Prof. Munene had been working past the customary retirement age of 60 years. Apparently, he had told authorities that he was limited in his employment because of health concerns.
This had prevented him from working full-time for the previous two years. He was given six weeks by management to complete student supervision, and he was then given a six-month part-time contract extension.
Prof. Munene’s previous ad hoc role as coordinator of PhD programs is not supported by the institution’s structures, the official stated. His duties will be taken over by the graduate school’s dean and deputy deans, guaranteeing a seamless continuation of instruction.
Prof. Kaberuka, a 75-year-old retiree, has also left her professional job, although she continues to work as a part-time professor to provide some oversight.
It is acknowledged that MUBS will be onboarded by the Ministry of Public Service onto the staffing software system, which prohibits the employment of anyone not affiliated with a government agency. The management team of MUBS has made the decision to adhere to the government system.
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“The institution is doing well and staff are very happy,” a member of the Academic Staff Association said. With 146 PhD faculty members at MUBS, there is never a shortage of qualified supervisors for students at the Makerere University affiliated institution.
Additionally, the organization is improving efficiency and compliance by simplifying its processes and implementing government software that incorporates payroll management.
