Dec 26, 2016 06:52 AM EST By Emily Marks, UniversityHerald Reporter

Makerere University is set to begin classes again next month. This comes after the school was forced to shut down operations because of student and staff protests.

It was previously reported that Uganda president Yoweri Museveni ordered Makerere University to be shut down. The directive by the president was issued on the evening of Nov. 1. The university was closed "with immediate effect, until further notice, in order to guarantee s afety of persons and property."

Makerere University, known as Uganda's highest learning institution, was shut down after protests by its academic staff and students. The school's educators went on strike in late October and refused to teach.

Apparently, the government has not paid professors their allowances. They decided to go on strike until the government pays their incentive arrears in full. The current outstanding payment has reached about 30 billion Ugandian shillings, which is equivalent to over $8.3 million.

The school's temporary closure has had a negative impact on the business community surrounding it. This issue may soon be solved as Makerere University is set to resume operations next month.

According to New Vision, the Makerere University Council has confirmed that the university had been opened effective immediately. All staff members will resume work soon.

Students will be able to continue their first semester on Jan. 2, 2017. They will be required to fully comply with the tuition policy, which needs them to finish paying all fees by the 12th week of the semester - approximately two weeks after resumption of studies which is on Jan. 16, 2017.

Students who have already paid their dues will not have to pay anything. Council chairperson Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem explained that arrangements were made to make sure that students will not lose any more time as a result of the school's closure.

Lecturers have been paid for their service for November and December. They have decided to return to class. Graduation ceremonies are still expected to be held in March.

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