Makerere University has directed Dr Faisal Buyinza, head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, to step aside from his leadership and administrative duties as the institution investigates allegations raised by his former wife, Hanifah Nakiryowa.
The university’s latest decision follows Nakiryowa’s recent social media videos and her biography Hanifah, in which she has revived allegations dating back to 2011. She accuses Buyinza of organising an acid attack against her on December 11, 2011, at Mugenyi Flats on the Makerere campus.
Nakiryowa and her young daughter were burned in the attack, with Nakiryowa suffering severe facial injuries that required extensive reconstructive surgery. Buyinza was subsequently charged with attempted murder, a charge he denied. The case was discontinued in 2014 after the prosecution failed to produce additional witnesses, and Buyinza was discharged without a conviction.
In her recent videos, Nakiryowa has also alleged that Buyinza abused his position when she was his student, including claims that her academic marks were withheld. She has further raised allegations of abuse during their marriage.
In one video, she said: “This gentleman is the reason I look like this today. He is still a lecturer, still manipulating young women.”
The allegations have not been established by a court or by Makerere’s disciplinary process.
Makerere initially responded on October 1, acknowledging “serious concerns” raised through social media videos but did not name the staff member involved. The university reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, gender-based violence and other misconduct, while directing complaints through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Office of the Dean of Students and MakSafeSpace.
However, in a statement dated October 7, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali named Buyinza and announced a formal inquiry.
The university has directed him to step aside from the headship of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis and from any other leadership or administrative role for the duration of the inquiry.
A six-member committee, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dorothy K. Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at CEDAT, has been appointed to investigate the allegations. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor by November 6, 2026.
Makerere said the inquiry will be conducted under its Safeguarding Policy, Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment and applicable staff disciplinary procedures. It also said Buyinza will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations in accordance with natural justice and due process.
The university acknowledged that some of the matters raised were previously the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014, but said its institutional responsibility to examine allegations affecting its community is separate from the previous criminal proceedings.
The latest move therefore does not amount to a finding that Buyinza committed the alleged acid attack, sexual harassment or other misconduct. It is an administrative step intended to allow the university’s inquiry to proceed while he is removed from leadership duties.
ACTION TAKEN ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST DR. FAISAL BUYINZA
— Makerere University (@Makerere) October 8, 2026
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