Makerere staff demand probe into hiring and promotions scandal
In a letter to Council Chairperson Lorna Magara, the associations condemned what they called “unconscionable corruption” within the Appointments Board and University Council, pointing to irregular promotions and alleged bribery in staffing decisions.
Staff associations at Makerere University have petitioned the University Council to investigate alleged corruption in hiring and promotions, claiming the integrity of Uganda’s top institution is at stake.
In a letter to Council Chairperson Lorna Magara, the associations condemned what they called “unconscionable corruption” within the Appointments Board and University Council, pointing to irregular promotions and alleged bribery in staffing decisions.
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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), highlights multiple concerns, including the promotion of Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe to professor in 2013 without meeting publication requirements.
His reappointment in 2022, they argue, deepens doubts over the fairness of promotions.
The letter also accuses a member of the University Council of soliciting a Shs5 million bribe from staff, allegedly to influence the Chief Human Resource Officer’s approval of promotions.
In an audio recording, the official - whose identity is being kept out subject to verification of the audio - reportedly claimed that paying the bribe was more critical than a staff member’s qualifications.
The Nile Post is in possession of the alleged recording whose authenticity it is verifying.
Further complaints include accusations of human resource officers manipulating cases before the Appointments Board and the extended acting tenure of Prof. Henry Alinaitwe as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, exceeding the 12-month limit set by the university’s Human Resource Manual.
The staff warn that these allegations are damaging the university’s global reputation, leading to scrutiny of both staff and students.
“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.”
In response, the associations demand full disclosure of Prof. Nawangwe’s academic qualifications used in his promotion, a formal investigation into Byamukama’s conduct, and adherence to hiring regulations.
“The University Council cannot remain silent in the face of egregious allegations that affect the way the public perceives the staff, our work, and the students we train,” they wrote.
Prof. Nawangwe, has reacted by issuing warning letters to the association heads. In one memo addressed to Mr Bennet Magara, Nawangwe accused the director of internal audit of unauthorised correspondences under MASA.
Mr Magara, who chairs the MASA, is accused of writing to various staff in a manner that could disrupt university operations.
In a letter, the Vice-Chancellor accused Magara of circulating unapproved statements on social media, warning of serious sanctions if he continues.
University Secretary Yusuf Kirunda confirmed that the Council is taking the allegations seriously and will address them in its February meeting, where the authors of the petition will be invited to present their concerns.
