Makerere University staff have called off the planned strike after UGX 12.6b was earmarked for salary Harmonization for the financial year 2024 -2025 by the president to allow the government to address the salary disparities issue.

This was confirmed by the Makerere University Secretary Yusuf having received official communication from the Ministry of Public Service

Makerere University staff has been advocating for salary harmonization with counterparts in other public universities the National Union of Education Institutions NUEI leaders believe that it is unfair for individuals with similar qualifications to receive varying salary scales.

Last month, Makerere University staff gave the government until April 8 to find Shs12.6 billion for their salaries or they put down tools.

The financial boost comes just a few days after the April 8 industrial action ultimatum that the Joint Staff Association of Makerere University, Uganda's premier institution of higher learning, gave their administration.

Makerere’s joint staff had asked the administration to find Shs12.6 b and add to their budget or they withdraw their labour

The joint staff issued an ultimatum, stating that the inclusion of Shs12.6 billion in the 2024/25 budget is necessary to address the long-standing issue of underpayment that numerous staff members have endured and are still experiencing.

Yusuf Kiranda, the Secretary of Makerere University, provided clarification regarding the official communication from the Ministry of Public Service on this issue.

Kiranda added that it’s now the responsibility of the staff to do their best to produce results to contribute to the development of the country.

On January 10, the government committed to providing the resources for harmonization of salaries for public universities.