Staff associations at Makerere University have petitioned the University Council, demanding an investigation into alleged corruption in hiring and promotions, warning that the integrity of Uganda’s top institution is at stake.
In a letter addressed to University Council Chairperson Lorna Magara, the staff unions condemned what they described as “unconscionable corruption” within the Appointments Board and University Council. They cited irregular promotions, bribery allegations, and questionable staffing decisions that have cast doubt on the university’s merit-based system.
The petition, signed by the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI-MAK Chapter), and the Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), raises several concerns, including:
- The promotion of Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe to professor in 2013 without meeting the required academic publication benchmarks.
- His reappointment in 2022, which staff argue further eroded trust in the fairness of university promotions.
- Allegations that a University Council member solicited a UGX 5 million bribe from staff to influence the Chief Human Resource Officer’s approval of promotions.
- Reports of human resource officers manipulating cases before the Appointments Board.
- The extended acting tenure of Prof. Henry Alinaitwe as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, which staff say violates the university’s Human Resource Manual, which limits acting appointments to 12 months.
Leaked Audio Recording and Institutional Damage
In a further twist, the petition references an audio recording allegedly capturing a university official stating that paying a bribe was more important than a staff member’s qualifications. The Nile Post has obtained the recording and is in the process of verifying its authenticity.
Staff argue that these allegations are tarnishing Makerere’s global reputation and raising doubts about the legitimacy of its recruitment and promotion systems.
“Some staff members are being asked by partners whether they were recruited and promoted through corrupt means,” the letter states. “The negative publicity is likely to undermine the careers of our students.”
Staff Associations Demand Action
In response to these concerns, the petitioners have demanded:
- Full disclosure of Prof. Nawangwe’s academic qualifications used in his promotion to professor.
- A formal investigation into the alleged bribery scandal involving a University Council member.
- Strict adherence to hiring and promotion regulations to restore trust in the institution.
“The University Council cannot remain silent in the face of such serious allegations that affect public perception of the staff, our work, and the students we train,” the associations wrote.
Vice-Chancellor Issues Warnings as University Council Plans Meeting
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has since responded by issuing warning letters to association leaders. In a memo addressed to Mr. Bennet Magara, chairperson of MASA, Nawangwe accused him of making unauthorized communications under the association’s name, including circulating unapproved statements on social media.
He warned of potential disciplinary action should such activities continue.
Meanwhile, University Secretary Yusuf Kirunda confirmed that the University Council will address the allegations in its February meeting, during which the petitioners will be invited to present their concerns.
This unfolding saga continues to generate heated debate, as Makerere University grapples with one of the most serious corruption allegations in its recent history.