Makerere University has directed Dr Faisal Buyinza, an associate professor and head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, to step aside from his leadership and administrative roles following allegations that he masterminded an acid attack on his former wife.
For the past two weeks, social media has been awash with allegations by Hanifah Nakiryowa, who claims that Buyinza, who was her husband at the time, plotted an acid attack against her on December 11, 2011. The alleged attack left her with permanent scars on her face.
The allegations have sparked public outrage, with sections of the public questioning why Makerere University had not taken action against the lecturer despite the claims and the history of police investigations and criminal proceedings related to the matter between 2011 and 2014.
Makerere University has now appointed a six-member committee to investigate the allegations and directed Buyinza to immediately step aside from his position as head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, as well as any other leadership or administrative position he holds at the university.
The committee, chaired by Associate Professor Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), has until November 6, 2026, to submit its report to the Vice Chancellor.
Other members of the committee are Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu of the Department of Religion and Peace Studies; Legal Advisor Sumalyah Nanyondo Sebuta; Dr Joelia Nasaka of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources; and Chief Human Resource Officer Deus T. Mujuni, who will serve as secretary.
In a statement dated October 7, Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Sarah M. Ssali said the university was concerned about the allegations against a senior member of its academic staff and acknowledged the courage of people who come forward with claims of harassment or violence.
“Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form,” Ssali said.
She said that although some of the matters raised had previously been subject to police investigations and criminal proceedings, the university had a separate responsibility to establish the facts under its policies and regulations.
“Management has therefore taken the following steps,” Ssali said, announcing the investigation and administrative measures against Buyinza.
The university said the committee would hear every complainant and witness and give Buyinza an opportunity to respond to each allegation in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
During the investigation, Buyinza has also been directed not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.
Makerere stressed that the decision for Buyinza to step aside is an administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and those participating in it. It does not amount to a disciplinary sanction or a finding of guilt.
“The University will not pre-judge the outcome,” Ssali said, adding that if the committee finds that there is a case to answer, the matter will be referred to the Appointments Board, where Buyinza will be accorded a fair hearing.
The university has also invited other complainants and anyone with information relevant to the allegations to submit evidence to the committee, promising confidentiality and protection from intimidation, victimisation or retaliation.
Ssali urged members of the university community to discuss the matter responsibly, particularly on social media, warning against comments that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice a fair process.
“The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable,” she said.
The university said it would communicate the outcome of the investigation to the university community.
