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 responsibilities as the institution investigates allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of authority and gender-based violence against him.
The directive took immediate effect and will remain in force until the investigation is concluded.
Buyinza has also been barred from contacting, influencing or interfering with any complainant or witness involved in the matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Makerere Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah N. Ssali said the measures were necessary to safeguard the investigation and protect individuals participating in the process.
“The University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Ssali said.
She said the university had constituted a six-member committee to investigate the allegations, hear from complainants and witnesses and give Buyinza an opportunity to respond to the claims against him.
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 are 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 expected to submit its findings to the Vice-Chancellor by November 6, 2026.
Makerere emphasised that asking Buyinza to step aside does not amount to a determination that he is guilty of any wrongdoing.
Ssali said the university’s decision was an administrative measure intended to protect the credibility of the process and those involved in it.
“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,” she said.
While the inquiry is ongoing, the Dean of the School of Economics will take charge of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis.
Earlier allegations
The controversy surrounding Buyinza dates back to 2011, when his then-wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa, and their young daughter were attacked with acid at Mugenyi Flats in Kampala.
Nakiryowa sustained serious facial injuries and later travelled abroad for medical treatment. Buyinza was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder in relation to the attack, allegations he denied.
The criminal proceedings continued for several years but were eventually discontinued in 2014 after the prosecution failed to secure additional witnesses. Buyinza was subsequently discharged by Buganda Road Court.
The matter returned to public attention this year after Nakiryowa began sharing her account of the events on social media and in her recently published biography, Hanifah.
In her account, Nakiryowa has also made allegations relating to her time as a Makerere student. She accuses Buyinza, who was then a lecturer, of using his position to pressure her into a relationship and claims that her academic marks were withheld until she complied with his demands.
The allegations have not been established by a court or through a university disciplinary process.
Makerere acknowledged that some of the issues now being raised had previously been investigated by police and had been the subject of criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014.
However, the university said the conclusion of those proceedings does not prevent it from examining the allegations under its own policies and regulations.
Ssali has called on anyone with relevant information to submit it to the committee, assuring complainants and witnesses that their submissions will be handled confidentially.
She also urged the university community to avoid intimidation, victimisation or retaliation against anyone participating in the investigation.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor further appealed to students, staff and other members of the Makerere community to exercise restraint when discussing the matter, particularly on social media.
She cautioned against identifying or exposing complainants, intimidating witnesses or making statements that could prejudice the investigation.
If the committee establishes that there is a case for Buyinza to answer, the matter will be forwarded to the Appointments Board for further action. Buyinza would then be entitled to a fair hearing in accordance with Makerere University’s established procedures.
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