September 2, 2025 – Kampala, Uganda
Former Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Principal, Prof. Waswa Balunywa, has been remanded to Luzira Prison following his appearance in court over abuse of office charges linked to irregular recruitment during his tenure.
According to the prosecution, Prof. Balunywa is accused of irregularly appointing three individuals as administrative assistants between February and April 2023, despite their lack of required academic qualifications. The alleged appointments are said to have resulted in ineligible costs to the government, forming the basis of the corruption case.
The court session, which drew significant public and media attention, marks the first formal appearance by the former MUBS head since investigations into the matter began. Prof. Balunywa, a long-serving academic and influential figure in Uganda’s higher education sector, did not enter a plea, and the court ordered his remand to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings.
Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for accountability in university governance and public sector recruitment practices.
Prof. Balunywa’s defense team has yet to issue a detailed statement, but sources close to the case indicate they plan to challenge both the merit of the charges and the procedural handling of the recruitment decisions.
The case has been adjourned to a later date, which will be announced in the coming days.
