Dr Deus Kamunyu: Makerere University Council Member Protests ‘Malicious’ Interdiction

The interdiction comes ahead of the University Council seating that is hot on the heels of public expose of the Vice-Chancellor's alleged irregular promotion to Professor in 2013 and appointment to VC in 2017

DrDeus Kamunyu Muhwezi, a member of the Makerere University Council, has strongly condemned his recent interdiction, calling it “malicious and capricious.”

Dr Kamunyu argues that the decision by Vice-Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe was an abuse of office and lacked proper administrative procedures.

The interdiction of Dr Kamunyu and at least one other dean, comes as the University Council is set to seat amidst public challenge against Prof Nawangwe's qualification for the VC job.

Speaking to the Nile Post, Dr Kamunyu said he was the only University Council member affected. The decision means the lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism cannot attend the Council meeting.

He criticised the manner in which the action was taken, saying Prof Nawangwe should have addressed the matter privately before making it public.

“He should have called me first and put in this information without causing alarm,” Dr Kamunyu said. “But he is a person who likes those alarms and creating a situation for cover-up on things that affect him directly.”

The lecturer dismissed the allegations against him, noting that he had previously been cleared by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) following a dismissal from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

“The IG declared me, and it’s on file,” he stated, emphasizing that the interdiction was unwarranted.

Despite the controversy, Dr. Kamunyu expressed confidence in Makerere University’s governance, urging the University Council and the Appointments Board to conduct a thorough investigation.

“I have faith in the current Council and the Appointments Board. If they stick to the truth and put inquiries into some of these issues, we can gain the capacity to handle matters internally,” he said.

According to a letter dated February 10, 2025, Prof. Nawangwe stated that the interdiction stemmed from concerns regarding Dr. Kamunyu’s previous employment history, including a dismissal from Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

The Vice-Chancellor described the move as part of a broader effort to enhance transparency in employment procedures.

“A Committee to investigate the aforementioned matter has been constituted, and you will be invited to participate in its proceedings,” reads part of the letter.

Dr. Kamunyu has been barred from accessing university premises and will receive half pay during the interdiction. He has also been instructed to hand over university property to the Head of the Department of Forestry.

The interdiction falls under Section 55(2) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended) and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders of 2021. A final decision regarding his employment will be determined by the investigation committee.

Before he was elected to the University Council, Makerere's highest decision-making organ, Dr Kamunyu led the Makerere University Academic Staff Association and endured memos and suspension by Nawangwe even then.

His latest interdiction follows a similar move against Dr Jude Ssempebwa, the dean of the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, on January 30, 2025, for alleged absenteeism.

Prof Nawangwe’s letter to Dr. Ssempebwa emphasized that the action was taken to protect the academic interests of students.

However, it is on the record that the officials have been at the forefront of challenging Prof Nawangwe's promotion in 2013 and subsequent appointment to VC in 2017.

Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institution, has in recent years enforced strict disciplinary measures in its administrative and employment structures.

The Vice-Chancellor recently blocked a planned joint staff meeting, declaring it illegal and instructing security to prevent it.

“There is no association recognised by management which is called Makerere University Joint Staff Association,” Prof Nawangwe stated.

Last week, Agora Discourse, a digital platform advocating for human rights and social justice, highlighted controversies surrounding Makerere’s leadership.

The platform, run by civil rights lawyers and activists, has launched a campaign to expose alleged censorship, suspensions, and governance issues at the university.

Meanwhile, university staff associations have petitioned the University Council to investigate what they describe as “unconscionable corruption” within the institution.

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 concerns about irregular promotions and allegations of bribery.

The petition specifically questions Prof. Nawangwe’s promotion to professor in 2013, claiming he did not meet the required publication standards. His 2022 reappointment has further fueled concerns about fairness in staffing decisions.

Additionally, a member of the University Council has been accused of soliciting a bribe of Shs5 million from staff seeking promotions. A leaked audio recording allegedly captures the council member demanding payment to influence the Chief Human Resource Officer’s approval process.

The unfolding developments have intensified scrutiny of Makerere University’s governance, with staff and civil society organizations demanding greater accountability in its leadership.