Makerere University has ordered Dr Faisal Buyinza, an Associate Professor and head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, to step aside from all leadership and administrative positions as the university investigates allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against him.
The decision was announced by the acting Vice Chancellor, Dr Sarah Sali, who said the measures were intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and those participating in it.
The university has appointed a six-member committee to investigate the allegations and directed it to hear all complainants and witnesses while giving Dr Buyinza an opportunity to respond to each allegation.
The committee, chaired by Eng. Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), is required to submit its report to the acting Vice Chancellor by November 6, 2026.
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 adviser; Dr Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources; and Chief Human Resource Officer Deus T. Mujuni, who will serve as secretary.
In a statement to the university community, Dr Sali said management was concerned about the allegations and the reaction they had generated among students, staff, alumni and the wider public.
“Management notes with deep concern the serious allegations made against a senior member of our academic staff, and the strong feelings this matter has raised among our students, staff, alumni and the wider public. We share that concern,” she said.
She added: “We also recognise the courage it takes for anyone to speak about experiences of harassment or violence, and we assure everyone who has come forward, or who may yet do so, that they will be heard.”
The acting Vice Chancellor said the university does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence.
“Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Dr Sali said.
She noted that some of the matters now being raised had previously been the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014.
However, she said the university had a separate responsibility to establish the facts under its Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, Safeguarding Policy and Human Resources Manual.
“As a university, we have our own duty, under our Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, its Safeguarding Policy and its Human Resources Manual, to establish the facts in this matter and to act on them,” she said.
As part of the administrative measures, Dr Buyinza has been directed to step aside from his position as head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis and any other leadership or administrative role he holds at the university.
The Dean of the School of Economics will oversee the department during the investigation.
Dr Buyinza has also been directed not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.
Dr Sali stressed that the measures should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
“These are administrative measures to protect the integrity of the investigation and those who take part in it. They are not a disciplinary sanction and are not a finding of guilt,” she said.
“The University will not pre-judge the outcome.”
If the committee finds that there is a case to answer, Dr Sali said the matter will be referred to the Appointments Board, where Dr Buyinza will be given a fair hearing in accordance with university procedures.
The university has also invited complainants and anyone with relevant information to submit evidence to the committee.
The secretary to the committee is expected to communicate an email address and telephone contacts through which submissions can be made.
Dr Sali said the university would protect the confidentiality, safety and dignity of those who come forward.
“The University guarantees that anyone who takes part in, or provides information to, this process will be protected from intimidation, victimisation or retaliation,” she said.
She also appealed to members of the university community to handle the matter responsibly, including on social media, warning against comments that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice the investigation.
“The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable,” Dr Sali said.
The investigation follows an earlier university statement issued on October 1, 2026, concerning the allegations against Dr Buyinza.
The university is expected to communicate the outcome of the investigation after the committee submits its report.
