The government has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, academic fraud and abuse of office at Makerere University, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the center of the controversy. This probe follows complaints from civil society organizations and senior academic staff, accusing him of manipulating governance structures and suppressing dissent.
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello issued a directive to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to conduct an urgent inquiry. This investigation, reportedly backed by President Yoweri Museveni, comes amid growing frustrations over Nawangwe’s leadership. Akello’s letter also emphasizes the protection of whistleblowers under the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2010.
The Global Anti-Corruption Initiative, led by Executive Director Moses Kakama, submitted a 70-page report raising concerns about Nawangwe’s academic credentials. The report highlights inconsistencies in his name throughout his educational journey, such as stages:
• Balunaba Nawangwe – PLE
• B H M W Umoja Nawangwe – UCE
• Nawangwe Umoja B – UACE
• Nawangwe Umoja Barnabas – Master’s degree
• Navangwe Umoja Barnabas – PhD, questioning the authenticity of his qualifications. It also claims that only two out of five of his publications met Makerere’s criteria for promotion to professor, casting doubt on his appointments as Vice-Chancellor in 2017 and 2022. The report accuses the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) the Makerere University Council, and the university’s management of covering up these issues.
Besides academic concerns, Nawangwe’s leadership style has faced criticism for authoritarianism. The university has seen multiple staff interdictions, including Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, PhD, a University Council member, who was suspended in February ahead of a critical meeting. Kamunyu believes this was a political move to prevent him from influencing decisions. Similarly, Dr. Jude Ssempebwa a senior lecturer, was also suspended, reportedly due to his involvement in protests against Nawangwe’s administration.
The February University Council meeting, which Kamunyu was barred from attending, focused on the appointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Nawangwe is accused of pressuring the council to overturn Prof. Anthony Mugisha’s appointment, further consolidating his influence over university governance.
Nawangwe has denied these allegations, claiming they are part of a smear campaign by foreign agents. He has published some academic papers in defense, but has not fully addressed concerns about his qualifications. The agora discourse, a civic organization focused on human rights and accountability, has led an online campaign exposing the alleged authoritarianism at Makerere under Nawangwe’s leadership.
