Makerere University has directed Dr. Faisal Buyinza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, to step aside from his leadership and administrative roles pending investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
The decision was announced by Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sarah M. Ssali in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to all staff and students.
The university said the allegations against Buyinza, a senior academic at the College of Business and Management Sciences, had raised serious concern among students, staff, alumni and the wider public.
“Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Prof. Ssali said.
The university has appointed a six-member committee to investigate the allegations and establish the facts.
The committee is chaired by Eng. Associate Prof. Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
Other members are Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu of the Department of Religion and Peace Studies; Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo Sebuta, the university’s Legal Advisor; Dr. Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources; and Mr. Deus T. Mujuni, Chief Human Resource Officer, who will serve as secretary.
The committee has been tasked with hearing from every complainant and witness and giving Dr. Buyinza an opportunity to respond to each allegation in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
It is expected to submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor by November 6, 2026.
As part of the interim measures, Buyinza has been directed to immediately step aside from the headship of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis and from any other leadership or administrative position he holds at the university.
The Dean of the School of Economics will oversee the department during the investigation.
Buyinza has also been directed not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.
Makerere stressed that the measures are administrative and are intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and those participating in it, rather than constitute a disciplinary sanction or a finding of guilt.
“Should the Committee find that there is a case to answer, the matter will proceed to the Appointments Board, where Dr. Buyinza will be accorded a fair hearing in accordance with University procedures,” Prof. Ssali said.
The university noted that some of the matters now being raised were previously the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014.
However, it said this did not remove its responsibility to independently establish the facts under its Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, Safeguarding Policy and Human Resources Manual.
Makerere has invited complainants and anyone with relevant information to make submissions to the committee.
The university said details of the email address and telephone contacts through which submissions can be made would be communicated shortly.
It also assured participants that information would be handled confidentially and that the safety, dignity and confidentiality of complainants and witnesses would be protected.
The university further warned against intimidation, victimisation or retaliation against anyone participating in the investigation.
Prof. Ssali also appealed to staff, students and other members of the university community to discuss the matter responsibly, particularly on social media, and avoid comments that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice the investigation.
“The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable,” she said.
