Newly promoted Professor Peter Waiswa has ignited debate on social media after suggesting that his elevation to the rank of professor came much later than it should have.
Shortly after the Makerere University School of Public Health announced his promotion from Associate Professor to Professor, Waiswa responded on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Too late – the thing is so delayed, but we celebrate the recognition. Thank you all for compliments.”
The post quickly attracted reactions from academics, students and members of the public, with many interpreting the statement as a rare public criticism of Makerere University’s academic promotion process.
Some social media users praised Waiswa for openly acknowledging what they described as bureaucratic delays that many lecturers reportedly experience before being promoted despite meeting the required qualifications.
Others, however, questioned the timing of the comments, arguing that such remarks overshadowed what should have been a celebratory moment and could undermine confidence in the university’s promotion systems.
Several academics also weighed in, noting that promotions in universities often involve lengthy reviews, publication assessments and approval processes, which can sometimes take years depending on institutional procedures and administrative timelines.
The Makerere University School of Public Health had congratulated Waiswa on attaining the rank of Professor, describing the promotion as recognition of his contribution to health policy, planning and management.
As of publication, Makerere University had not publicly responded to Waiswa’s comments or addressed whether there were unusual delays in his promotion process.
Waiswa’s remarks have nevertheless reignited broader conversations about promotion timelines within Uganda’s public universities, with many calling for greater transparency and efficiency in academic career progression.
While the exact circumstances surrounding his promotion remain unclear, his brief statement has shifted attention from the achievement itself to the processes that precede academic recognition.
What do you think? Was Prof. Waiswa right to publicly describe his promotion as delayed, or should such concerns be addressed internally?
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