The situation at Makerere University has escalated into a full-blown crisis of academic freedom. Faculty members across multiple departments report increasing instances of administrative interference in their research activities, particularly in studies relating to governance, human rights, and social justice issues. The university’s once-vibrant research environment has been compromised by new restrictive policies requiring multiple layers of approval for research proposals, especially those touching on politically sensitive topics.
These restrictions have manifested in several concerning ways. Professors in the Political Science department have been pressured to modify their research methodologies and conclusions, particularly in studies examining electoral processes and democratic governance. The School of Social Sciences has reported the withdrawal of funding for projects investigating land rights and environmental justice. Additionally, faculty members have faced unofficial warnings about their public commentary on current affairs, effectively silencing crucial academic voices in national discourse.
The impact extends beyond research to teaching practices. Lecturers report being required to submit detailed course outlines for administrative review, with suggestions to remove “controversial” topics from their syllabi. This interference has particularly affected courses in media studies, gender studies, and public policy, where critical analysis of current issues is essential for comprehensive education.