Makerere University Lecturer Suspended as Ex-Wife Accuses Him of Acid Attack Plot

Makerere University has ordered one of its senior academics to step aside from all leadership and administrative responsibilities as it investigates serious allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of authority and gender-based violence.

The university says the decision follows allegations that have generated strong reactions among students, staff, alumni and the wider public, with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah N. Ssali saying management is determined to establish the facts and ensure that everyone involved is treated fairly.

“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,” Prof. Ssali 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 university’s response follows renewed public allegations by a woman who has in recent weeks spoken openly about an attack she says left her with severe facial injuries and was organised by her former husband.

In one of her social media videos, Hanifah Nakiryowa, who continues to live with a surgically reconstructed face, said:

“This gentleman is the reason I look like this today. He is still a lecturer, still manipulating young women. Beware. It has been 15 years and now it is my moment of truth,” Nakiryowa said.

She has also chronicled her experience in a recently released biography titled Hanifah and urged other women who may have experienced similar conduct to speak out.

The allegations have now triggered a formal institutional inquiry at Makerere, with the university saying its responsibility extends beyond previous police investigations and criminal proceedings.

“Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Prof. Ssali said.

She noted that “some of the matters now raised were the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014.”

“Irrespective of those proceedings, the University has its own duty, under its 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.

The university has consequently established a six-member committee to investigate the allegations.

The committee is chaired by Eng. Assoc. Prof. Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at CEDAT. Its 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, CHUSS; Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo Sebuta, Legal Advisor; and Dr. Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, CoVAB.

Mr. Deus T. Mujuni, Chief Human Resource Officer, is the committee’s secretary.

Prof. Ssali said the committee had been given a broad mandate to hear from everyone with relevant information while ensuring that the accused academic is also given a fair opportunity to respond.

“The Committee will hear every complainant and witness, and will give Dr. Buyinza the full opportunity to respond to each allegation, in accordance with the principles of natural justice,” she said.

The committee is required to submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor not later than Friday, November 6, 2026.

It is during the investigation that Makerere has taken the most immediate administrative action against the academic at the centre of the allegations.

Dr. Faisal Buyinza, an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at the College of Business and Management Sciences, has been directed to step aside from the department headship and any other leadership or administrative position he holds at the university.

The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force for the duration of the investigation.

“The Dean, School of Economics, will oversee the Department in the interim,” Prof. Ssali said.

Buyinza has also been directed “not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.”

Makerere, however, has gone to considerable lengths to distinguish the administrative action from a finding that Buyinza committed any offence.

“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,” Prof. Ssali said.

“The University will not pre-judge the outcome.”

She said the process could move to a more formal disciplinary stage if the committee finds sufficient grounds.

“Should the Committee find that there is a case to answer, the matter will proceed to the Appointments Board, where Dr. Buyinza will be accorded a fair hearing in accordance with University procedures,” she said.

“The University will inform the community of the outcome of this process.”

Makerere has also opened the door for additional complainants and witnesses to come forward, saying anyone with relevant information will be given an opportunity to make a submission.

“Management encourages all complainants, and anyone with information relevant to this matter, to come forward and make submissions to the Committee,” Prof. Ssali said.

The university says the committee secretary will shortly provide an email address and telephone numbers through which submissions can be made.

“All information will be handled in strict confidence, and the Committee has been directed to protect the confidentiality, safety and dignity of everyone who comes forward,” Prof. Ssali said.

She further gave an assurance to potential witnesses and complainants who might fear reprisals.

“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.

Prof. Ssali also appealed to students, staff and other members of the university community to exercise restraint in discussing the allegations, particularly online.

“I also appeal to all members of the University community to engage on this matter responsibly, including on social media, and to avoid comments that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice a fair process,” she said.

The university’s latest action comes after it initially acknowledged the controversy on October 1, when it said it had taken note of “serious concerns” raised about a member of its academic staff.

The October 7 statement now identifies Buyinza and sets out the specific steps being taken against him while the investigation proceeds.

At the centre of the renewed controversy is Nakiryowa’s account of the December 11, 2011 acid attack, which she says was organised by Buyinza.

Her public disclosures have come 15 years after the incident and have included her personal account of the physical and emotional consequences of the attack.

The university has not made a finding on the allegations.

Instead, it says the committee must establish what happened, hear from complainants and witnesses, and give Buyinza the opportunity to answer each allegation before any determination is made.

Prof. Ssali ended her statement by stressing the importance of protecting members of the university community throughout the process.

“The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable,” she said.

“I thank you for your support and cooperation as we see this process through fairly, thoroughly and without delay.”