The vice chancellor of Makerere University, Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu has said that the university will not open this Saturday as he had earlier communicated.

"Following the continued industrial action by the non-teaching staff, I would like to inform the public, students and parents, that Makerere has been closed until further notice, and all halls of residence that have been open will also be closed." Ddumba-Ssentamu said, adding the decision has been made by the university council chairman, Dr Wana-Etyem.

Efforts to get comments from vice chancellors in other public univerities which include Busitema, Gulu, Kyambogo, Makerere University Business school (Mubs) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Must), were futile as our repeated phone calls went answered. But since they are all members of Puntsef, it can be concluded that they will also postpone dates of opening for first semester.

Mean while, workers in public universities under their umbrella body, Public Universities Non-Teaching Staff Executive Forum (Puntsef) have said they will go on hunger strike should the government force them to work.

During a meeting held from Makerere University on Thursday, representatives of Puntsef from all the six public universities that are still on industrial action reaffirmed that they will not resume working until they are paid.

"We have heard rumours that we are to be forced back to work, but let's make this clear: without enhanced salaries and paid arrears, we shall not open these universities, and work," said Jackson Betihamah, the chairman Puntsef. "If we get forced, we are going to collect our family members, relatives,  children and all well wishers to join us in a hunger strike we shall stage at the constitutional square, only to end when Jesus comes back," he added.

Amos Tukamushaba, the chairman National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) at Makerere University, which is part of Puntsef, also agreed with Betihamah.

"It's unfortunate that a simple issue like this has taken us this far. This money should have been paid yesterday and not today or tomorrow. We need our enhanced salaried first, then work next. Short of that, we are not going to work again," Tukamushaba cautioned.

Bombeka Bataringaya, the chairman of Mubs non- teaching staff, was more furious. He said that where as staff in the other five universities had received last month's salary, for them they haven't received even a single coin.

Betihamah called upon the government to heed to their demand and pay Shs 28bn they are entaitled to. This money, he said, accounts for enhanced salaries of FY 2016/2017 and then arrears will be determined after this increment is made.