Makerere Orders Dr Faisal Buyinza To Step Aside As Six-Member Committee Probes Allegations

UgandaToday: Makerere Orders Dr Faisal Buyinza To Step Aside As Six-Member Committee Probes Allegations

University Moves To Protect Integrity Of Inquiry Into Allegations By Former Wife Hanifah Nakiryowa

KAMPALA — Makerere University has directed Associate Professor Faisal Buyinza to step aside from all leadership and administrative responsibilities as a six-member committee investigates allegations raised against him by his former wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa.

The directive, announced on October 7, 2026, requires Buyinza to relinquish his position as Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), as well as any other leadership or administrative role he holds at the university.

Makerere said the measure is intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and protect those participating in the process. It stressed, however, that stepping aside does not constitute a finding of guilt or a disciplinary sanction.

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Photo Caption: Makerere University, where an internal committee has been constituted to investigate allegations involving one of its senior academics.

Six-Member Committee To Establish The Facts

The university has constituted a six-member committee to examine the allegations under its Safeguarding Policy, its Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment and applicable staff disciplinary procedures.

The committee is chaired by Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Other members include 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 Sumalyah Nanyondo Sebuta; Dr Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources; and Chief Human Resource Officer Deus T. Mujuni, who serves as secretary.

The committee has been given until November 6, 2026, to submit its report to the Vice Chancellor.

During the inquiry, the Dean of the School of Economics will oversee the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis.

Buyinza Barred From Contacting Complainants And Witnesses

As part of the administrative measures, Makerere has directed Buyinza not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness connected to the investigation.

The university says the committee will hear from complainants and witnesses and will give Buyinza an opportunity to respond to each allegation in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

Makerere has also appealed to members of its community and the public to discuss the matter responsibly, particularly on social media, warning against conduct that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice the investigation.

Allegations Revive 2011 Acid Attack

The latest university action follows renewed public attention to allegations made by Nakiryowa concerning an acid attack in December 2011, when she and her young daughter were injured.

Contemporary court reports indicate that Buyinza was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder over allegations that he had masterminded the attack. He denied involvement.

The criminal proceedings later stalled after prosecution witnesses failed to appear, and the case was discontinued in 2014. Buyinza was therefore not convicted of the alleged attack.

Nakiryowa has since revived the allegations publicly, including through social-media accounts and her recently released biography, Hanifah. She has also made additional allegations concerning her time as a Makerere student, including claims of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. Buyinza has previously denied the allegations.

A Separate University Process

Makerere has emphasised that the university investigation is separate from the earlier criminal proceedings.

According to the university’s position, even where some allegations have previously been subjected to police investigations or court proceedings, Makerere has a responsibility to establish whether its own policies and regulations were breached.

The university has therefore opted for an institutional inquiry while ensuring that both the complainants and the accused academic are given an opportunity to be heard.

Buyinza’s Academic Record

The development comes against the background of Buyinza’s established academic career at Makerere.

University records identify him as an Associate Professor in the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis. He took over as head of the department in 2024 after the tenure of Dr Joweria Mayanja Teera.

Earlier this year, Makerere recognised Buyinza with its Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards, including the Overall Top Research Award and the Senior-Career Research Award at the College of Business and Management Sciences.

The current investigation therefore places a prominent member of Makerere’s academic community under institutional scrutiny.

Due Process Remains Central

For now, the allegations remain allegations.

Makerere’s decision to remove Buyinza temporarily from leadership should not be interpreted as proof that the allegations have been established. The university has expressly stated that the administrative measures are designed to protect the investigation and those taking part in it, and that the institution will not prejudge the outcome.

The committee’s findings and any subsequent action by the university will determine what happens next.

UgandaToday’s Note: Allegations contained in this report are attributed to the complainant and relevant sources. They should not be construed as established facts or a finding of guilt against Dr Faisal Buyinza. The principle of due process and the right to a fair hearing remain applicable.

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