The leadership of Makerere University has come under parliamentary scrutiny over the prolonged vacancy in the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to provide an explanation for the university’s failure to appoint a substantive officer for the position in the past eight years.

The issue was raised by Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera during the parliamentary sitting on February 20, 2025. Kwizera questioned why the institution continues to operate without filling key leadership roles, despite Parliament allocating funds for these positions. He further pointed out that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is also operating without a Deputy Principal.

“This Parliament approves funds to ensure that all positions at Makerere University are filled. Yet, for eight years, the university has not appointed a Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration. Worse still, the Chief Registrar is now doubling as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics. Can the Ministry of Education explain why this is the case?” Kwizera asked.

In response, Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang promised to present a detailed statement addressing the concerns raised about both Makerere University and MUBS. “I request Parliament to allow me time to prepare a comprehensive report that will provide answers to these staffing concerns,” Ogwang stated.

The staffing crisis at Makerere University has drawn public attention in recent months, particularly after reports emerged that Buyinza Mukadasi has been holding dual roles as both Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Academic Registrar. Critics have cited this as an example of poor governance and mismanagement at the institution.

Beyond Makerere, a recent report by Parliament’s Education Committee highlighted the severe staffing shortages at several public universities. While the report focused primarily on academic staff shortages, it also raised concerns about unfilled management positions.

Busitema University, for instance, was reported to have an academic staffing level of just 10%, with Muni University at 11%, Gulu University at 21%, and both Kabale and Mbarara Universities at 25%. Kyambogo University fared slightly better at 35%, but still requires an additional UGX 54 billion to cover wage shortfalls. Makerere University itself is currently operating at only 40% of its required staffing levels.

In addition to the staffing crisis, both Makerere University and MUBS are expected to face financial strain in the 2025/26 financial year due to budget cuts. MUBS reported a reduction of UGX 8.04 billion, affecting non-wage expenditures and capital development, with the latter facing a 27% reduction.

Similarly, Makerere University has seen a budget cut of UGX 4.358 billion, which is likely to affect critical areas such as student welfare, teaching and learning, and the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.

With Parliament now demanding answers, the Ministry of Education is expected to provide clarity on why these leadership positions remain vacant and what steps will be taken to address the broader staffing and financial challenges facing Uganda’s public universities.