"He Should Have Called Me First," Dr. Deus Kamunyu Protests 'Malicious' Suspension by Nawangwe

Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institution, is facing controversy over accusations of corruption and governance issues. The suspension of Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, a member of the University Council, has caused concern and raised questions about the university's leadership.

Dr. Kamunyu strongly condemned his suspension, calling it a "malicious and unfair" act by Vice-Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe. His suspension comes before a key University Council meeting and amid growing scrutiny of Professor Nawangwe’s qualifications for his position.

Dr. Kamunyu criticised the way the suspension was handled, saying that Professor Nawangwe should have discussed the matter with him privately before taking such public action. "He should have called me first," Dr. Kamunyu said, questioning the Vice-Chancellor’s approach.

Professor Nawangwe's letter, dated 10 February 2025, cited Dr. Kamunyu’s past employment history, including a previous dismissal from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), as the reason for the suspension.

A committee has been set up to investigate the matter, and Dr. Kamunyu has been asked to take part. However, until the investigation is complete, he is not allowed on university premises and will receive only half his salary.

Dr. Kamunyu’s case is part of broader concerns at Makerere University. Staff associations, such as the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), have formally asked the University Council to investigate what they call "serious corruption" at the institution.

Concerns go beyond Dr. Kamunyu's suspension and Professor Nawangwe’s appointment. A leaked audio recording is said to show a University Council member asking for bribes from staff seeking promotions.

There are also questions about Professor Nawangwe’s promotion to professor in 2013, with claims that he did not meet the required publication standards. His reappointment in 2022 has added to concerns about fairness in staffing decisions.

The situation at Makerere University has drawn the attention of civil society organisations and the public. Agora Discourse, a group that focuses on human rights and social justice, has started a campaign with a hashtag #MakerereUniversityExhibition pointing out the issues such as suspensions, censorship, and governance concerns at the university.

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