Lecturers at Makerere went on strike on Wednesday and stopped teaching both day and evening students, but it’s unbelievable how the university administration and students have since gone silent about the matter.

The lecturers are demanding for incentive arrears for the past eight months totaling to Shs 40 billion.

While meeting as Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa) on Wednesday, the lecturers said they have been too patient with the administration which has always played ping-pong games, something that informed their decision.

"After a lengthy discussion, the general assembly has unanimously resolved to lay down their tools effective midnight until all incentive arrears are paid," reads part of the letter that was signed by Muasa chairman Dr Muhammad Kiggundu and addressed to the university council's chairman, Dr Eng Charles Wana-Etyem.

While contacted for a comment, the Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu told Journalism@mak that the university currently has no money and gave an excuse as to why the university council has never met to discuss the matter.

"The council meeting of 21st October 2016 didn't take place due to the visit of the first lady to the university..." Prof Ddumba said.

For students and their leaders, they went on strike yesterday, protesting the suspension of their colleagues who are accused of stealing 200 forks from University Hall's kitchen. By afternoon, the strike had ended and the suspension rescinded.

Surprisingly now, when lecturers have deserted both evening and day classes, the whole university is quiet and the students not bothered.

Currently, a few students are in campus and the lecturers insist they will only return to classes after their money is paid.

It should be remembered that Makerere Univeristy opened two weeks late following a strike by the non-teaching staff in public universities that almost lasted for 3 weeks. Now with one month to end of semester exams, the lecturers have laid down their tools.