Makerere University has directed Dr. Faisal Buyinza, an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, to step aside from his leadership and administrative roles as the university investigates allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of authority and gender-based violence against him.
The decision takes immediate effect and will remain in place for the duration of the investigation. The university has also directed Buyinza not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness as the investigation proceeds. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah N Ssall said the measures were intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and those participating in it.
“The University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Ssall said. She said the university has appointed a six-member committee to investigate the allegations and hear from complainants and witnesses, while giving Buyinza an opportunity to respond to each allegation.
The committee is chaired by Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at CEDAT, and includes Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu of the Department of Religion and Peace Studies; Legal Advisor Sumaiyah Nanyondo Sebuta; Dr. Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources; and Chief Human Resource Officer Deus T. Mujuni, who will serve as secretary.
The committee is required to submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor by November 6, 2026. The university said the decision to remove Buyinza from his leadership roles should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt or a disciplinary sanction. “These are administrative measures to protect the integrity of the investigation and those who take part in it. They are not a disciplinary sanction and are not a finding of guilt. The University will not pre-judge the outcome,” Ssall said.
During the investigation, the Dean of the School of Economics will oversee the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis. The allegations against Buyinza have a history dating back to 2011, when his then-wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa, and their young daughter were attacked with acid at Mugenyi Flats in Kampala. Nakiryowa suffered severe facial injuries and later received treatment abroad. Buyinza was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack, allegations he denied.
The criminal case dragged on for several years amid difficulties in securing witnesses. In 2014, the prosecution discontinued the case after failing to produce additional witnesses, and Buyinza was discharged by Buganda Road Court. The matter resurfaced publicly this year after Nakiryowa began recounting her experience on social media and in her recently released biography, Hanifah.
She has also made fresh allegations concerning her time as a student at Makerere, accusing Buyinza of using his position as a lecturer to pressure her into a relationship and alleging that her academic marks were withheld until she agreed to his demands. The allegations have not been determined by a court or a university disciplinary process.
Makerere said some of the matters now raised were the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014. However, the university said the earlier proceedings do not remove its responsibility to establish the facts under its own policies and regulations. Ssall urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and make submissions to the committee, promising confidentiality and protection from intimidation, victimisation or retaliation.
She also appealed to students, staff and other members of the university community to discuss the matter responsibly, particularly on social media, and avoid exposing complainants, intimidating witnesses or prejudicing the investigation. The university said if the committee finds that there is a case to answer, the matter will be referred to the Appointments Board, where Buyinza will be given a fair hearing in accordance with university procedures-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
