Makerere University has set up a committee to investigate allegations against Dr Faisal Buyinza, head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, university management said the Vice Chancellor had constituted the committee “to inquire into allegations raised regarding Dr Faisal Buyinza.”
This is the first time the university has publicly named the lecturer since the allegations surfaced.
The inquiry will be conducted under the university’s Safeguarding Policy, its Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, and the applicable staff disciplinary procedures. The committee has been directed to work “expeditiously” and report to the Vice Chancellor.
The statement did not name the committee’s members, give a deadline for its report, or say whether Dr Buyinza will step aside from his duties while the inquiry runs. Management restated its zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, gender-based violence and any misconduct that threatens the safety, dignity and welfare of the university community.
From “hollow” statement to inquiry
The announcement follows a week of public pressure. In a series of TikTok videos, acid attack survivor Hanifa Nakiryowa alleged that Dr Buyinza, her former husband and once her lecturer, withheld her examination marks while she was his student until she agreed to marry him.
Makerere’s first statement, on October 1, did not name the lecturer or announce any action. Instead, it pointed to the university’s policies and reporting channels. Nakiryowa dismissed it on X as “a blanketed hollow statement” and called on the university to show concrete steps.
The case has also drawn political support. Minister of State for Local Government Justine Nameere, who first covered Nakiryowa’s story on NTV 15 years ago, urged Ugandans in a video to stand with her in her search for justice.
Nakiryowa was attacked with acid in December 2011 outside Dr Buyinza’s residence at Makerere. He was charged with attempted murder and denied the charge. The case was discontinued in 2014 after prosecution witnesses repeatedly failed to appear, and he was discharged without a conviction.
Dr Buyinza has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. CampusBee has contacted him and Nakiryowa for comment on the inquiry and will update this story.
Need to report or talk to someone?
Makerere students and staff can report concerns through MakSafeSpace, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate or the Office of the Dean of Students. Confidential support is available at the University Counselling and Guidance Centre.
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