Shock!! Former Makerere VC Baryamureeba Accuses Ex-IGP Kayihura of Funding University Strikes During His Tenure

Former Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba has made fresh allegations against former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura, accusing the retired police chief of orchestrating and financing student and staff strikes at Uganda’s oldest public university during his time as Vice Chancellor.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Baryamureeba claimed that Kayihura used his position as the country’s police chief to wage what he described as a personal campaign against him. According to the former Vice Chancellor, the former IGP allegedly extended his influence beyond policing by interfering in the affairs of Makerere University through the organisation and funding of strikes.

Baryamureeba wrote that Kayihura “was fighting everyone” and alleged that he “would even organise and fund strikes at Makerere University.” He concluded his remarks by suggesting that Kayihura’s later removal from office represented a form of justice, saying the former police chief “fell like a sack of potatoes” and adding, “One good turn deserves another.”

The allegations have generated discussion because they revisit one of the most difficult periods in Makerere University’s recent history. During Baryamureeba’s leadership, the institution experienced repeated student demonstrations, staff industrial action, prolonged disruptions to academic programmes, and frequent deployment of security personnel on campus. Those events significantly affected teaching, examinations, and the university’s academic calendar.

However, it is important to note that Baryamureeba’s statements remain personal allegations. They have not been independently verified, and no evidence has been publicly presented to support the claim that the strikes were organised or financed by Gen. Kayihura. Likewise, the former police chief has not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of publication.

If substantiated, the claims would fundamentally reshape public understanding of some of Makerere University’s most turbulent episodes. Rather than being viewed solely as spontaneous expressions of dissatisfaction by students or staff, the unrest would instead raise questions about possible external influence in university affairs. Such allegations carry significant political and historical implications and would require careful investigation before any conclusions can be drawn.

Baryamureeba’s remarks also come at a time when several prominent Ugandan figures have publicly revisited their past disagreements with the former police chief. In recent days, retired General David Sejusa also accused Kayihura of being responsible for many of the challenges he encountered during his years in government. While the circumstances surrounding the two disputes are different, both statements have renewed debate about Kayihura’s influence during his tenure as Inspector General of Police.

The latest comments have reignited public interest in the role security agencies played during periods of political and institutional tension in Uganda. Social media has increasingly become a platform where former government officials and senior public figures share their versions of events that previously remained largely out of the public eye. These accounts often spark fresh discussion about historical decisions and relationships within government institutions.

For many former Makerere students and staff members who lived through the repeated closures and unrest, Baryamureeba’s allegations have reopened memories of a challenging period marked by uncertainty, interrupted studies, and heavy police deployments on campus. Whether his claims will prompt official investigations or further responses from individuals mentioned remains uncertain.

As of now, Gen. Kale Kayihura has not issued any public statement addressing the allegations made by Prof. Baryamureeba. The claims therefore remain unverified assertions by the former Vice Chancellor. Any further developments, including responses from Kayihura or other individuals mentioned, could provide additional context to the allegations and contribute to a fuller understanding of the issues raised.