A controversy is brewing at Makerere University, over a law exam question that referenced a recent parliamentary sitting and a “service award” to the Speaker, Annita Among.
In a letter to the university senate, Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe sought guidance on disciplinary action against lecturers who set the exam question, citing concerns over “academic integrity” and “professional misconduct”.
However, Speaker Among took to Twitter to defend the lecturers and the exam question, stating that “freedom of expression is guaranteed and sacrosanct, including academic freedom protected under Article 29(1)(b)”.
She argued that as public officials, they are subject to scrutiny and that the exam question was an opportunity for students to form their own opinions on public affairs.
Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, also weighed in, condemning the Vice Chancellor’s move as “intimidation” and a threat to academic freedom. “Makerere is not a primary school, it is a university meant to produce thinkers,” he said.
The exam question in question is believed to have referred to a recent parliamentary sitting where Speaker Among was awarded a “service award” amidst controversy.
The university has not commented further on the matter, but the incident has sparked a wider debate on academic freedom and the role of universities in promoting critical thinking and intellectual inquiry.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the university will balance its commitment to academic freedom with concerns over academic integrity and professional misconduct.
