Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, has interdicted a lecturer who was caught on camera allegedly assaulting a student.
“Pursuant to provisions of the Public Service Standing Orders, the Universities & Other Tertiary Institutions Act & our Human Resources Manual, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nawangwe has interdicted Mr. Benard Wandera for allegedly assaulting a student in class pending investigations,” the institution tweeted Saturday after a social media statement saying they would investigate the matter.
In a November 19, 2022 letter, Prof Nawangwe identified the interdicted lecturer as Bernard Wandera, a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration
School of Social Sciences at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“I have received and watched with dismay, a video footage in which allegedly you, Mr. Bernard Wandera, are seen physically assaulting a female student during a lecture session conducted by yourself at the University Main Campus,” Prof Nawangwe wrote.
“I have also received additional written complaints from a student of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as oral complaints from the University community on this matter.”
According to the letter, it is alleged that this unfortunate incident happened on Friday, November 18, 2022 in the Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.
“Your aforesaid unlawful acts contravene the terms and conditions of your employment with the University and also violate provisions of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended), the Employment Act 2006, the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 and the Makerere University Human Resources Manual (2009) as well as immensely injure the reputation of the University.”
He added: “Pursuant to section 55(2) of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended) as well as the provisions of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021, and the Makerere University Human Resources Manual 2009, I hereby interdict you from the University in order to protect the reputation of the University, its students, and in order not to jeopardise the on-going investigations.”
Prof Nawangwe said a Committee to investigate allegations of assault, harassment and wilful professional misconduct against Wandera will be constituted.
“You will be invited to participate in its proceedings. During your interdiction, you will receive half pay and you will not be allowed to access your office or other University premises (unless otherwise invited by the Investigation Committee) until the investigations are concluded and your case is determined by the Appointments Board. This interdiction takes immediate effect,” Prof Nawangwe wrote.
He added: “You are required to prepare a handover report and handover all University property in your possession to your supervisor; the Head, Department of Social Work and Social Administration in the presence of the Dean – School of Social Sciences.”
The letter is copied to; Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), University Secretary, University Bursar, Ag. Director Legal Affairs, Ag. Director Human Resources, Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Head of Department of Social Work and Social Administration and the University Chief Security Officer.
