After her “bad taste” rant against the First Lady, Janet Museveni on Facebook last year, Researcher Stella Nyanzi was sent packing from Makerere University for bringing the university’s name to disrepute.
The fighter that she is, Nyanzi appealed her suspension to the Staff Appeals Tribunal which on Tuesday ruled that she was unfairly dismissed and reinstating her immediately.
In its ruling, the tribunal noted that Nyanzi’s suspension was illegal and contravened Sections 63(2) of the Employment Act, 2006 and Section 63(2) which demands that any suspension under sub-section (1) shall not exceed four weeks.
“The suspension of the appellant (Dr. Nyanzi) as initiated in the said letter dated 31st March 2017 from [Makerere University] the respondent’s director, human resources is hereby set aside with immediate effect,” the ruling read.
MAK will also have to part with an undisclosed sum of money to pay for Nyazi’s arrears.
After the ruling was read, Nyanzi said on Facebook that the freedoms and rights she fights for had been upheld.
“This is a brilliant and rare day for justice, rule of law, and respect of labour rights of public servants in Uganda. This is a great win for academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of conscience and thought. I feel like David after slaying Goliath,” she wrote.