Parliament demands explanation for Makerere’s eight-year Deputy VC vacancy
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang pledged to present a statement addressing the situation at both Makerere and MUBS.
Parliament has tasked the Ministry of Education and Sports to explain why Makerere University has operated for eight years without a substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
The directive followed concerns raised by Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera during the February 20, 2025, plenary sitting. Kwizera questioned Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on staffing shortages at Makerere University, prompting further concerns that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is also operating without a Deputy Principal.
“This Parliament allocates funds to ensure all positions at Makerere University are filled. Yet for eight years, the institution has lacked a substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance. Worse still, the Chief Registrar is also serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics. Can the Ministry of Education explain why this position remains vacant?” Kwizera asked.
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang pledged to present a statement addressing the situation at both Makerere and MUBS. “Allow me to bring a statement to answer the concerns raised, including those related to MUBS,” he said.
The staffing crisis at Makerere comes amid growing scrutiny over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Reports indicate that Buyinza Mukadasi has been serving in dual roles as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and the University’s Academic Registrar.
Kwizera’s concerns align with findings from Parliament’s Education Committee, which, in its 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, highlighted severe understaffing in public universities. The report noted that while it primarily assessed academic staffing, administrative gaps remain a critical issue.
The report detailed that Busitema University has an academic staffing level of just 10%, Muni University stands at 11%, Gulu at 21%, while Kabale and Mbarara Universities operate at 25%. Kyambogo University, with a 35% staffing level, requires an additional UGX 54 billion to address wage shortfalls. Makerere University, currently at 40% staffing, is also struggling with financial constraints.
Adding to the crisis, looming budget cuts in the 2025/26 financial year threaten operations at both Makerere and MUBS. MUBS reported an UGX 8.04 billion reduction, with a 17% cut in non-wage funds and a 27% reduction in capital development funds. Makerere University also faces a UGX 4.358 billion budget cut, affecting student welfare, teaching and learning, and ongoing capital projects.
Parliament’s demand for answers puts pressure on the Ministry of Education to address the staffing and financial challenges affecting Uganda’s leading higher education institutions.
