The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has wrapped up a major investigation into corruption and mismanagement at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) during the tenure of former Principal, Prof. Wasswa Balunywa. The findings are set to shake the institution, with severe consequences for those involved.
Sources close to the investigation have revealed that the upcoming report will make strong recommendations, which could see several current and former MUBS staff facing imprisonment. Some individuals might lose their jobs, and others could be required to repay funds. Contractors who worked with MUBS are also expected to face repercussions.
Prof. Balunywa, who led MUBS for 25 years, left the institution in May of the previous year after his contract was not renewed. Following his departure, a group of staff members submitted a detailed complaint to both the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, and the IGG. The complaint outlined widespread issues at MUBS that allegedly occurred during Balunywa’s leadership.
The allegations against Balunywa and his administration include corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power. Specific charges involve irregular recruitment practices, failure to remit employee contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and non-payment of taxes to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Other issues reported include improper allocation of responsibility allowances, favoritism in staff appointments, and neglect in covering tuition fees for staff pursuing PhDs.
The report also cites the irregular creation of new departments and faculties, with unqualified individuals being appointed as heads and campus directors. Additionally, there are claims of tuition fees being diverted to personal accounts rather than being paid to URA. Misappropriation of school property, misuse of operating expenditure accounts, and unauthorized use of MUBS funds for personal staff—including gardeners, cooks, and security personnel—are also mentioned.
