By Wamala Sipirian
Published: October 8, 2026
Makerere University has constituted a committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations raised against Dr Faisal Buyinza, the head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the university said the Vice Chancellor had constituted the committee to inquire into allegations concerning Dr Buyinza and directed it to conduct its work expeditiously before reporting its findings to the Vice Chancellor.
The university said the inquiry will be conducted under its Safeguarding Policy, Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, and applicable staff disciplinary procedures.
“Makerere University restates its zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and any misconduct that threatens the safety, dignity, and welfare of its community,” the university said.
The development follows an earlier university statement issued on October 1, 2026, which addressed the matter without naming Dr Buyinza or announcing the establishment of an investigative committee.
Allegations by former wife
The allegations have been raised by Hanifa Nakiryowa, Dr Buyinza’s former wife, who has posted a series of videos on TikTok in recent days.
Nakiryowa alleges that she was a student of Dr Buyinza at Makerere University in the early 2000s and that he withheld her examination marks until she agreed to marry him.
She has also renewed allegations connected to an acid attack that occurred outside Dr Buyinza’s residence in December 2011.
The allegations remain subject to the university’s inquiry, which has now been formally established to examine the claims under its relevant safeguarding and disciplinary frameworks.
Previous acid attack case
Dr Buyinza was previously charged at Buganda Road Court with attempted murder in connection with the 2011 acid attack.
Prosecutors alleged that he orchestrated the attack, a charge he denied.
Reports cited in the source material indicate that the case was later discontinued and Dr Buyinza was released without a conviction.
The university’s latest action does not establish the allegations as fact. The committee is expected to examine the claims and report to the Vice Chancellor.
Sources
Makerere University statement issued Wednesday; earlier Makerere University statement dated October 1, 2026; allegations publicly raised by Hanifa Nakiryowa; court proceedings referenced in the source material.