The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has been asked by the state minister of Ethics and Integrity, Lily Rose Akello, to investigate allegations of corruption at Makerere University.
In a letter dated March 27, 2025, to the IGG, minister Akello says she received a complaint from the Global Anti-Corruption Initiative, a civil society organisation, regarding allegations of corruption at Makerere University that require further investigations.
In January 2025, the chairpersons of Makerere University Academic Joint Staff Associations wrote to the Makerere University chairperson, requesting her to investigate and act on allegations of corruption in Makerere University Employment Systems.
“These include allegations that the vice chancellor, Prof [Barnabas] Nawangwe was promoted to that rank without the requisite academic qualifications; allegations that a member of the university council solicited a bribe from members of staff to encourage them; and allegations that Prof. [Henry] Alinaitwe was illegally acting as deputy vice chancellor, in contravention of the university human rights manual,” Akello’s letter reads in part.
The letter also adds that when Nawangwe was accused of being promoted illegally, he retaliated against his accusers by writing warning letters to the chairpersons of the three staff associations and also ordered the immediate transfer of the internal auditor and the interdiction of the secretary general of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA).
“This is to request you to urgently investigate the allegations and also ensure that the whistle-blowers are protected from victimisation, as provided under section 9 of the Whistle-blowers Protection Act, 2010. I will appreciate feedback on the action taken,” the letter reads in part. Makerere University has been plagued by unending controversies, with many staff accusing Nawangwe of being high-handed in his management approaches.
Last week, MUASA wrote to the speaker of parliament, Annet Anita Among, to intervene in the way the university was handling the selection of the university deputy vice chancellor in charge of finance and management.
In a letter signed by MUASA chairperson and secretary general, Dr Robert Kakuru and Dr Jude Ssempebwa, respectively, the association said that by constituting another search, the university is not only wasting taxpayers’ money but also acting contrary to a court order.
Last month, Nawangwe announced that the university had commenced a search for the two deputy vice chancellors, one in charge of academic affairs and the other in charge of finance and administration. But in their letter, MUASA argues that the senate already approved a substantive DVCF/A Prof Anthony Mugisha, last year, but the university council declined to approve him.
That’s what happens in all public sectors in emerging economies. We need stronger institutions to combating these malpractice especially in academic institutions.
Please, look into this seriously. Makerere is too formidable to let bribe prone guys take over. Our two great leaders, Nyerere and Mkapa are graduates of that University.
My daughter Dotto and my son Kezakubi also graduated there. I love Makerere with all my heart.