Summary:
Speaker Among added that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is also operating without a Deputy Principal.
KAMPALA: Speaker Anita Among has tasked the Ministry of Education and Sports to explain why Makerere University has operated for eight years without a substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration.
This demand followed concerns raised by Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) during the plenary sitting on 20th February 2025. Kwizera called on Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to address staffing shortages at Makerere University.
In response, Speaker Among added that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is also operating without a Deputy Principal.
Kwizera stated, “This Parliament appropriates money for all positions to be filled at Makerere University. But for eight years now, they haven’t had a substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance. Worse still, the Chief Registrar is now doubling as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics. Can the Ministry of Education tell us why this position remains vacant?”
In response, Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, promised to present a statement addressing the situation at both Makerere University and MUBS. He noted, “Allow me to bring a statement to answer the concerns raised, and I will also address the issue of MUBS.”
Recently, Makerere University has come under scrutiny on social media over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Reports indicate that Buyinza Mukadasi has been holding two key positions simultaneously—serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics while also acting as the University’s Academic Registrar.
Kwizera’s concerns come at a time when a report by Parliament’s Education Committee on the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper has highlighted severe understaffing at public universities.
While the report primarily focused on academic staffing, it noted that many universities are operating with critically low staff levels.
According to the report, Busitema University has an academic staffing level of only 10%, Muni University stands at 11%, Gulu University at 21%, while Kabale and Mbarara universities have 25% each.
Kyambogo University, with a staffing level of 35%, requires an additional UGX 54.0 billion to address wage shortfalls. Makerere University is currently operating at only 40% of its required staffing capacity.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that both Makerere University and MUBS face potential operational disruptions in the 2025/26 financial year due to significant budget cuts.
MUBS reported a budget reduction of UGX 8.04 billion, with a 17% cut to non-wage funding and a 27% reduction in capital development funds.
Meanwhile, Makerere University reported a UGX 4.358 billion budget cut, which is expected to impact student food and living allowances, teaching and learning, and the completion of ongoing capital projects.
