On March 27, 2025, Uganda’s Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate corruption allegations at Makerere University. The complaints, raised by academic staff associations and the Global Anti-Corruption Initiative, include concerns over the promotion of Vice-Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, who is accused of advancing to full professor without meeting required academic qualifications. Additionally, a leaked audio recording allegedly captures a University Council member soliciting bribes to influence staff promotions. The allegations also extend to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, accused of serving beyond the 12-month limit set for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor role. The IGG’s investigation aims to address these governance concerns at Uganda’s oldest university.

The academic freedom implications are severe. Among others, staff members who raised concerns or opposed governance decisions, including Dr. Deus Kamunyu and Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, were suspended or declared persona non grata, seen as retaliatory actions to silence critical academic voices. The university’s internal auditor and staff association leaders reportedly faced intimidation or transfers, undermining institutional checks and balances. Moreover, Nawangwe’s tenure has been characterized by repeated crackdowns on protests and strikes, which critics argue contribute to an environment of fear and stifled academic expression.

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These developments indicate systemic suppression of academic dialogue and governance participation, directly impacting scholars’ ability to express dissent, advocate for institutional integrity, and participate in leadership without fear of reprisal.

ACAF views these allegations as raising serious concerns about the integrity of academic appointments and the potential erosion of merit-based advancement. If promotions are influenced by bribery or political considerations, it undermines the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, potentially stifling scholarly excellence and critical inquiry. It calls for transparency in the investigations to get to the bottom of the matter. ACAF also demands that those who have been victimised for helping to unearth such corrupt practices be protected against any form of recrimination and attacks on their academic freedom and be restored to their positions or status.

Source(s)

1. https://nilepost.co.ug/makerere%20univerity-makerere%20vice%20chancellor/250752/breaking-minister-orders-igg-investigation-into-makerere-corruption-claims
2. https://observer.ug/news/minister-asks-igg-to-investigate-corruption-allegations-at-makerere-university/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-asks-igg-to-probe-makerere-over-corruption-claims-4983494