Makerere Power Struggle Deepens as Nawangwe Blocks Permanent Deputies

The leadership crisis at Makerere University has taken a troubling turn as Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe continues to resist the appointment of permanent Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs), leaving key positions in limbo for nearly eight years.

Despite Makerere’s reputation as Uganda’s top university, the absence of substantive DVCs in academic affairs and finance and administration has raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the institution’s long-term stability.

Nawangwe's reluctance to confirm permanent deputies became more pronounced in June 2024 when he abruptly removed Professor Umar Kakumba, the then-acting DVC for Academic Affairs, without any formal reappointment process.

His exit left the university in an unusual situation where Nawangwe effectively held multiple key positions—including acting Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and both deputy roles.

The crisis worsened in February 2025 when Professor Anthony Mugisha’s appointment as DVC for finance and administration was annulled by the University Council, a decision many insiders claim was influenced by Nawangwe himself.

His removal cleared the way for Professor Wilson Tumps Ireeta to take over in an acting capacity, continuing the cycle of temporary appointments that have plagued Makerere’s leadership.

Additionally, new qualification requirements for the DVC positions have raised suspicion, with critics arguing that they are designed to make the roles nearly impossible to fill permanently.

Candidates must now have at least 20 peer-reviewed publications in globally recognized databases, a standard that even the Vice-Chancellor himself does not meet.