Two top officials from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) are set to face trial over accusations of illegally recruiting unqualified staff. Former MUBS Principal Professor Waswa Balunywa and former Acting Human Resource Director Namaganda Jacqueline are charged with abuse of office and neglect of duty in connection with three controversial staff appointments made in 2023.
According to the Uganda Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in Kibuli, the case centers on the hiring of Arike James, Nuwagira Nathan, and Nimrod Kakayi as Administrative Assistants. Investigators allege that all three lacked the minimum academic qualifications required for the role.
Prosecutors claim that between February and April 2023, Prof. Balunywa knowingly used his position to hire the three individuals despite their ineligibility. This, they say, resulted in unjustified costs to the Government of Uganda. He now faces three counts of abuse of office under the Anti-Corruption Act.
Meanwhile, Namaganda — currently serving as MUBS Chief Quality Assurance Officer — is accused of failing to verify the recruits’ qualifications during her time as Acting Human Resource Director. Her alleged oversight cleared the way for their appointments. She faces three counts of neglect of duty under the Penal Code Act.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Frances Abodo, has sanctioned the charges. The case is expected to head to court soon, with many Ugandans closely following the proceedings as a test of accountability and transparency in public institutions.
