A fresh controversy has emerged at Makerere University following a pointed critique by former Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Baryamureeba, who questioned the authenticity of academic details recently released by current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
In a tweet, Prof. Baryamureeba queried, “How can my colleague earn a 4 yr Bachelor’s Degree in less than a year? BS Civil Engineering 1976 -1976?” He suggested that if Prof. Nawangwe merely enrolled in the BS Civil Engineering program in 1976 and abandoned it shortly thereafter, the qualification should be corrected by removing it from his academic records.
The revelation of Prof. Nawangwe’s complete academic credentials—tracing his journey from being Uganda’s top student in the 1969 Primary Leaving Examination to earning his PhD in Architecture from the Kiev Institute of Civil Engineering in 1989—was intended to address ongoing social media allegations that had questioned his qualifications. The detailed documents also outline his educational path through institutions such as Busia Integrated Primary School and Busoga College Mwiri.
In a statement accompanying the release of his records, Prof. Nawangwe defended his academic progression and professorial credentials. He clarified that for his promotion to Professor, he had submitted five peer-reviewed publications, which were rigorously vetted by an external expert. Furthermore, he refuted claims that the publication of two books was a mandatory requirement for professorship at Makerere University. Regarding his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Nawangwe confirmed he had submitted 14 peer-reviewed publications, well in excess of the minimum requirement of 10.
The criticism from his former colleague comes amid broader controversies surrounding Makerere University’s management practices, with critics questioning various aspects of the institution’s governance. “I hope that this clarification will put to rest the debate about my academic credentials,” Prof. Nawangwe had stated, aiming to quell the speculation. However, the discrepancies highlighted by Prof. Baryamureeba indicate that some questions remain unanswered.
As discussions continue online and within academic circles, the Makerere community is calling for further scrutiny of the records. No official response has yet been issued regarding the former VC’s remarks, leaving many to wonder whether additional investigations into the academic documentation will follow.
