President Yoweri Museveni in a letter dated April 28,2018 has directed the First Lady Janet Museveni who is also the Minister of Education and Sports to reappoint Prof. Waswa Balunywa as the Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
“I am directing to reappoint Professor Waswa Balunywa as Principal of Makerere University Business School ( MUBS) for another term on the expiry of this one. One of the obstacles that have wasted our time is a disoriented, pro-imperialism academia,” Museveni wrote in a letter he copied to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Attorney General and Chairperson, Education Service Commission.
Museveni in his letter says Prof. Balunya is an active administrator who has steered MUBS off strikes. “Professor Balunywa has always been on the liberation side ideology in addition to being an active administrator. His institution has been free of strikes. I have never found him averse to advice the times I have interacted with him. Such a person is good to work with,” Museveni wrote.
Museveni’s letter ordering for the extension of Balunywa’s term has dealt a blow to Mubs Council which a day ago appointed Associate Prof Moses Muhwezi as the institution’s acting principal. Prof Muhwezi has been Prof Balunywa’s deputy for the past four years. Mubs Council is headed by Prof Venansius Baryamureeba.
Museveni’s unexpected letter epitomizes weeks of confusion in the education ministry, the highlight of it characterised by counter accusations between Baryamureeba and Balunywa and divisions among senior government officials on whether or not to renew the incumbent’s contract.
Baryamureeba in March recommended Balunywa for re-appointment, but revised his position to say his letter to Education Minister Janet Museveni was a reminder about imminent lapse of the principal’s tenure. The Council chairman was then accused of eyeing to succeed the principal, an allegation he denied.
Baryamureeba’s letter prompted the minister to direct the Education Service Commission chairperson, Mr Waggwa Lubega, to advertise the job.
Museveni’s letter has meanwhile left a section of Busoga politicians having the last laugh as they have been out there playing both the tribal and political card to ensure that 63 year old Balunywa, who is beyond the statutory retirement age is kept on as the Chancellor of the only high end government owned business school.
However, it remains to be seen whether Baryamureeba and Balunywa will work together, following their hot exchanges in both traditional media and social media platforms.
