Makerere lecturer Dr. Kamunyu Muhwezi protests ‘malicious’ interdiction

Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, a lecturer in the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism who was interdicted over alleged irregularities in his recruitment process, has criticised the manner in which the interdiction was handled, describing it as “malicious and capricious” and an “abuse of office.”

Speaking to the Nile Post in an interview, he argued that proper administrative procedures were not followed before the decision was made.

Dr. Kamunyu, who also serves as a member of the Makerere University Council, confirmed his interdiction, stating that he was unaware of any other council members facing similar disciplinary action. He told the reporter that the council is supposed to sit today.

“I can confirm that it’s myself,” Dr. Kamunyu said when asked if other council members had been interdicted.

“He should have called me first and put in this information without causing alarm,” Dr. Kamunyu said, referring to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, who issued his interdiction.

“But he is a person who likes those alarms and creating a situation for cover-up on things that affect him directly,” he added.

Dr. Kamunyu further dismissed the allegations against him, asserting that he had been cleared by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) following a previous dismissal from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

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

Despite the controversy, Dr. Kamunyu expressed confidence in Makerere University’s governing bodies, calling on the University Council and the Appointments Board to investigate the issues at hand thoroughly.

“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 emphasised.

The interdiction bars Dr. Kamunyu from executing his official duties as the university conducts investigations into the matter.

In a letter dated February 10, 2025, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe stated that the university had received information regarding Dr. Muhwezi’s previous employment and dismissal from Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

He explained that the decision to interdict him was part of a broader effort to strengthen the institution’s employment systems and ensure compliance with recruitment 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 directed to hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department of Forestry.

The interdiction is in line with Section 55(2) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended) and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders of 2021. The investigation committee will determine the final course of action regarding his employment status.

Recently, Prof. Nawangwe also interdicted Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, a senior lecturer at the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development under the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), over allegations of absenteeism.

In a letter dated January 30, 2025, Prof. Nawangwe informed Dr. Ssempebwa that he had been suspended from university service with immediate effect. The suspension was intended to prevent any disruptions to the academic calendar and to protect the academic interests of students.

Dr. Ssempebwa, during his interdiction, would receive half pay and is prohibited from accessing university premises, offices, or property.

Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious higher learning institution, has in recent years taken stringent measures to enforce discipline and transparency in its employment and administrative structures.

Recently, Prof. Nawangwe blocked a planned joint staff meeting, declaring it illegal and instructing security to prevent it from taking place.

He emphasized that the meeting was illegal, arguing, “There is no association recognised by management which is called Makerere University Joint Staff Association.”

Last week, Agora Discourse, a digital platform advocating for human rights, public accountability, and social justice, spotlighted Makerere University to shed light on the controversy, censorship, and suspensions that have marked Prof. Nawangwe’s leadership at Uganda’s top university.

The platform, led by a group of civil rights lawyers and activists known for challenging public officials, launched a new campaign to expose the ongoing issues within the university.

This comes in the wake of several warning letters issued to staff members.

The situation has become a point of contention within the university, especially as staff associations at Makerere University have recently petitioned the University Council to investigate alleged corruption within the institution.

In a letter addressed to the Council Chairperson, Lorna Magara, the associations have condemned what they call “unconscionable corruption” within the Appointments Board and the University Council.

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 alleged bribery in staffing decisions.

The petition specifically points to the promotion of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to the position of professor in 2013, despite not meeting the required publication standards for promotion.

The associations also argue that his reappointment in 2022 further deepens doubts about the fairness of promotions at the university.

Moreover, the letter accuses a member of the University Council of soliciting a bribe of Shs5 million from staff members to influence the Chief Human Resource Officer’s approval of promotions.

The bribery allegations have been backed by an audio recording in which a senior Makerere University Council member is heard soliciting bribes from staff in exchange for promoting them.

According to the recording, the official allegedly demanded Shs5 million from each staff member seeking promotion to secure approval from the Chief Human Resource Officer.