Eight more employees of Bishop Barham University College Kabale-a constituent College of Uganda Christian University Mukono, have resigned citing poor working conditions.
They are Rev. Canon Dr. Stanley Katungwensi, the head of the Post Graduate and Research Department, Reuben Twinomujuni, the University Public Relations Officer, Brian Kiiza, the University Cashier, Wycliffe Rushaju, Benbera Irakut, Mable Barigye, Fynne Ayebazibwe and Fredrick Mugyira, all lecturers.
The workers say they were forced to resign because of mistreatment by the Principal of Bishop Barham University College Kabale, Rev. Dr. Medard Rugyendo. Dr. Rugyendo replaced Professor Emmanuel Muranga who retired in August 2015.
They accuse Dr. Rugyendo for slashing their teaching allowances and scrapping their transport allowances. They also accuse the principal of harassing them and using abusive language.
Each of the lecturers has been receiving Shillings 15,000 for teaching each course unit and a monthly transport allowance of Shillings 20,000. Mable Barigye, one of the lecturers, says he was forced to quit after Dr. Rugyendo slashed their teaching allowances by half.
According to Barigye, he can't continue teaching for only Shillings seven thousand five hundred per course unit. Mable says the decision by Dr. Rugyendo to scrap their transport allowances without clear reasons or prior consultations shows he is inconsiderate.
Brian Kiiza, the Cashier Bishop Barham University College Kabale accuses the Principal of being a dictator to the extent of not considering the current economic crisis in the country. He also accuses the Principal of enforcing harsh rules, making the institution appear like a primary school.
The resignation of the workers especially the lecturers has affected studies. First and second year Students of Mass Communication, Business Administration, and Education have spent two weeks without any lectures.
Reverend Dr. Medard Rugyendo, the Principal Bishop Barham University College Kabale, downplays the resignation of the lecturers, saying it is normal, adding that those who are ready to serve will fill the gaps.
Dr. Rugyendo denies accusations of being a dictator, saying the workers are only are uncomfortable with the strict implementation of new policies.
This is not the first time workers at Bishop Barham University College Kabale are resigning citing poor working conditions. In September 2016, eight workers resigned accusing Dr. Rugyendo of using abusive language, scrapping off examination allowances and failure to renew their contracts among other reasons.
Those who resigned include; Godwin Kiiza, the Dean of Students, Gift Ayebazibwe, Accountant, Sadress Twinomugisha, Librarian, Duncan Akampurira, the head of the Library Department and his ICT counterpart, Patrick Mwesigye. Others included Gilbert Arinaitwe, a lecturer, Ruthrah Nahweera, an administrative assistant and Driver, Jackson Kamanzi Bugyingo.
-URN