Makerere University: Dr Buyinza Sexual Harassment Investigation Launched

• Makerere University has ordered Dr. Faisal Buyinza to step aside from his leadership and administrative duties.
• The action follows an investigation into sexual harassment, abuse of power, and domestic violence allegations made by his former wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa.
• A six-member committee, chaired by Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, will conduct the inquiry under the university's Safeguarding Policy and staff disciplinary procedures.
• Dr. Buyinza is guaranteed an opportunity to respond to all allegations, in line with natural justice principles, with a report due by November 6, 2026.
• The university clarified that these administrative measures are not a disciplinary sanction and do not pre-judge the outcome of the investigation.

Makerere University has underscored that these administrative measures are not a disciplinary sanction and do not pre-judge the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.

Makerere University has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and domestic violence against Dr. Faisal Buyinza, a senior lecturer at the institution. The university announced its decision on October 7, following an earlier public acknowledgment of the controversy on October 1, which arose from increasing public attention to the claims. As a result, Dr. Buyinza has been instructed to temporarily relinquish his leadership and administrative responsibilities.

The allegations stem from his former wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa, who claims Dr. Buyinza exploited his position as a lecturer during her time as a student at Makerere in the early 2000s. Specifically, Ms. Nakiryowa alleges that he withheld her examination results until she consented to a relationship with him. Dr. Buyinza has publicly denied these accusations. This current inquiry also brings renewed attention to a 2011 acid attack on Ms. Nakiryowa, in which she and her young daughter sustained injuries. Dr. Buyinza was arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with that incident, though the case was ultimately discontinued in July 2014 due to the prosecution's inability to produce additional witnesses, leading to his discharge without a conviction.

In response to the current allegations, Makerere University has established a six-member committee tasked with conducting a thorough investigation. This committee operates under the university's comprehensive Safeguarding Policy, its Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, and established university staff disciplinary procedures. Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), chairs the committee, which includes representatives from various colleges, the Legal Office, and Human Resources.

The committee's mandate ensures that all complainants and witnesses will be heard, and crucially, Dr. Buyinza will be afforded a full opportunity to respond to each allegation, in strict adherence to the principles of natural justice. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the Vice Chancellor by November 6, 2026. During the investigation, Dr. Buyinza has been directed to step aside from his leadership roles, with the Dean of the School of Economics assuming interim oversight of his department. He is also prohibited from contacting, influencing, or interfering with any complainant or witness involved in the inquiry. Makerere University has underscored that these administrative measures are not a disciplinary sanction and do not pre-judge the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.

The university has actively encouraged anyone with relevant information or complaints to make submissions to the committee, assuring confidentiality and protection against intimidation, victimisation, or retaliation. Concurrently, Makerere has issued a caution to its community members regarding the use of social media, advising against actions that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses, or otherwise impede the integrity of the Makerere Dr Buyinza sexual harassment investigation.

Should the committee determine that there is a case to answer, the matter will then be referred to the Appointments Board. At this stage, Dr. Buyinza will again be granted an opportunity for a fair hearing, in line with established university procedures. Lawyers advising educational institutions or large organizations in Uganda should observe the procedural steps Makerere University is taking in this high-profile internal investigation, particularly the application of its Safeguarding Policy and adherence to natural justice principles, to ensure compliance with internal disciplinary frameworks and mitigate legal risks in similar situations.

Lawyers advising educational institutions or large organizations in Uganda should observe the procedural steps Makerere University is taking in this high-profile internal investigation, particularly the application of its Safeguarding Policy and adherence to natural justice principles, to ensure compliance with internal disciplinary frameworks and mitigate legal risks in similar situations.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post