Why Former MUBS Principal Prof. Wasswa Balunywa Was Remanded to Luzira

Professor Wasswa Balunywa, the former Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), has been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of abuse of office, in a dramatic turn of events that has drawn national attention.

On Tuesday, Balunywa appeared before Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala, where he was charged in two separate corruption-related cases. The veteran academic denied all charges leveled against him.

In the first case, prosecutors allege that between March 18 and 28, 2023, Balunywa unlawfully recruited three individuals—Arike James, Nimrod Kakayi, and Nathan Niwagira—as Administrative Assistants, even though they lacked the necessary academic qualifications. These questionable appointments reportedly imposed undue financial burdens on the government. Jacqueline Namaganda, the Acting Human Resource Director at MUBS, faces similar charges and was granted a cash bail of four million shillings last week.

The second case is even more expansive. It accuses Balunywa of exceeding his authority between 2020 and 2023 by appointing 103 academic staff, 17 administrative staff, and 69 support staff—actions that, by law, should have been handled by the university’s Appointments Committee.

State prosecutor Caroline Nabaasa informed the court that investigations had been completed and requested time to disclose evidence ahead of the trial. Meanwhile, Balunywa’s legal team—comprising Shamim Nalule and Asuman Matovu—filed a bail application, asking that the same sureties from the first case be considered for both. However, the magistrate ruled that new sureties were required.

Those who stepped forward to vouch for Balunywa included his brother, Dr. Muhammed Ngoma, Vice Chancellor of Kampala International University; his son, Ali Balunywa, Sales Director at Airtel Uganda; Professor Sudi Nangoli, Managing Director of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation; and his sister, Hajjati Ndifuna Zawudi, Director of Mbogo Schools. His defense also submitted his passport and a land title in Bukoyo, Iganga District, as additional security.

The prosecution pushed back against the bail request, questioning the ability of the sureties to ensure Balunywa’s court attendance. They pointed out that he had only appeared after being summoned and had earlier been unreachable by phone.

Balunywa is scheduled to return to court on September 5, 2025, when the magistrate is expected to decide on his bail application and move forward with the second case.

He and Namaganda are part of a broader investigation involving 30 individuals accused of causing a Shs53 billion loss to the government, touching institutions like the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and the Uganda Police Force. So far, 15 of the suspects have already been brought before the court.