Makerere University has broken its silence following renewed allegations by Hanifah Nakiryowa that her former husband, Dr Faisal Buyinza, masterminded an acid attack that left her with severe facial injuries 15 years ago.
Nakiryowa has in recent weeks taken to social media to accuse Buyinza of orchestrating the December 11, 2011, attack. She has also recounted her experience in a recently released biography titled Hanifah.
Buyinza is currently the head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
Nakiryowa, who lives with a surgically reconstructed face following the attack, has used online videos to renew her allegations against her former husband.
“This gentleman is the reason I look like this today. He is still a lecturer, still manipulating young women. Beware. It has been 15 years and now it is my moment of truth,” she said in one of the videos.
On Thursday, October 1, Makerere University issued a statement acknowledging the concerns raised publicly through social media videos regarding the conduct of a member of its academic staff.
The university said it recognised that such matters could cause profound distress and acknowledged the courage it takes to speak about experiences of harm.
It emphasised that the safety, dignity and welfare of students, staff and visitors were matters it treated with the utmost seriousness.
Makerere reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, gender-based violence and other forms of misconduct that threaten the well-being of members of the university community.
The institution said it had established policies and procedures, including its Safeguarding Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, and staff disciplinary processes, to ensure that formal complaints were investigated thoroughly, fairly and confidentially.
It added that investigations would be conducted in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process for all parties.
The university encouraged students, staff and visitors with concerns to make formal reports through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Office of the Dean of Students or MakSafeSpace, its online platform for anonymous and confidential reporting.
It also pointed those in need of professional support to the University Counselling and Guidance Centre.
Makerere said it remained committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive learning and working environment and pledged to strengthen its systems for prevention, reporting and accountability.
The statement did not publicly establish the outcome of any investigation into Nakiryowa’s specific allegations.
