In a surprising turn of events, the members of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Council, the top governing body, are reportedly divided over the handling of the exit of their long-serving Principal, Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, whose contract expired on May 31, 2023. This split has created uncertainty and raised questions about the future leadership of the institution.

During a special meeting held on June 2, 2023, the Council passed a resolution appointing Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Balunywa’s deputy, as the Acting Principal of MUBS. However, some Council members expressed dissatisfaction with the rapid decision-making process and advocated for a one-month extension to Balunywa’s contract, allowing him time to prepare for his departure and possibly lobby for a contract renewal. These members even prepared a detailed report highlighting Balunywa’s accomplishments and reasons why he deserved another term, which was submitted to the Education Minister, Janet Museveni.

Sources reveal that the pro-Balunywa group attempted to seek guidance from President Museveni, but their efforts to secure an audience with him were unsuccessful. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest that they reached out to Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, but it was too late, and their plea for support went unanswered.

However, other Council members strongly disagreed with the pro-Balunywa group’s maneuvers and pressed for Balunywa’s immediate departure. Consequently, during the June 2 Council meeting, they voted to remove Balunywa from his position based on Section 40(2)(d) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended). The Council denied the pro-Balunywa group’s request to allow him one week to exit office and instead gave him three days to remove his belongings. To avoid further humiliation, Balunywa cleared his office on Sunday, June 4.

In addition to the denial of an extended exit period, the request to allow Balunywa to retain his official car was also turned down. The pro-Balunywa members argued that he did not have any other means of transportation, leaving him reliant on public transportation or requesting lifts from others. However, their request was not granted.

Meanwhile, the pro-Balunywa group continues to lobby intensively for his contract renewal, despite the decision made by the Council. Notably, in 2018, when Balunywa’s previous contract expired, it was only through the intervention of President Museveni that he secured another term. At that time, there were tensions between Balunywa and Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, the MUBS Council Chairperson, who was determined to see him leave. However, the President directed Balunywa’s reappointment for another five-year term, calming the situation.

The internal memo sent by Francis Yosa, MUBS’s Human Resource Director, confirmed the appointment of Prof. Moses Muhwezi as Acting Principal, in accordance with the law, until the position is filled substantively. Muhwezi, who served as Balunywa’s deputy, will assume the role temporarily.

With Balunywa’s tenure at MUBS spanning an impressive 25 years, there is speculation about whether he will attempt to stage another fight to extend his tenure to 30 years at the Nakawa-based institution. The big question remains: Will President Museveni intervene once again? Alternatively, could Balun

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