Makerere University has directed Associate Professor Faisal Buyinza to step aside from his leadership and administrative duties while a committee investigates allegations that he was involved in an acid attack on his former wife.
Buyinza, who heads the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, has been at the centre of allegations made by Hanifah Nakiryowa, who claims that he plotted an acid attack against her on 11 December 2011 when they were married.
Nakiryowa says the attack left her with permanent facial scars. Her allegations have circulated widely on social media over the past two weeks, prompting public concern over the university’s handling of the matter.
Makerere said on 7 October that it had appointed a six-member committee to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and review the matter in line with its policies and regulations.
The committee is chaired by Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). It has been given until 6 November 2026 to submit its report to the Vice Chancellor.
Other members are Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu of the Department of Religion and Peace Studies; Legal Advisor Sumalyah Nanyondo Sebuta; 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, Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Sarah M. Ssali said the university was concerned about the allegations and recognised the courage of people who come forward with claims of harassment or violence.
“Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Ssali said.
She noted that some of the issues raised had previously been handled through police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014. However, she said the university has a separate responsibility to establish whether the allegations breach its own policies and regulations.
The committee will hear from complainants and witnesses and give Buyinza an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.
While the investigation is ongoing, Buyinza has also been instructed not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.
Makerere said his decision to step aside is an administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and those involved. It is not a disciplinary punishment or a finding that he is guilty of the allegations.
“The University will not pre-judge the outcome,” Ssali said.
If the committee finds that there is a case to answer, the matter will be referred to the Appointments Board, where Buyinza will be given an opportunity to respond through a formal process.
Makerere has also invited other people with relevant information or complaints to submit evidence to the committee. The university said it would protect complainants and witnesses from intimidation, victimisation and retaliation, while maintaining confidentiality.
Ssali also urged students, staff and other members of the university community to discuss the matter responsibly, particularly on social media, warning against comments that could identify complainants, intimidate witnesses or interfere with the investigation.
“The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable,” she said.
The university said it will communicate the outcome of the investigation to the university community after the committee completes its work.
