By Spy Uganda
The Anti-Corruption Court has granted bail to former Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Principal, Professor Waswa Balunywa, in two separate abuse of office cases linked to irregular staff appointments during his tenure.
Prof. Balunywa, 69, was released on Friday after spending three nights on remand at Luzira Prison. Chief Magistrate Racheal Nakyazze set his bail conditions at Shs10 million cash in one case and Shs5 million cash in the other. His sureties were bonded at Shs100 million and Shs50 million non-cash respectively.
The magistrate also ordered that his passport remain in court custody and a land title registered in his name be retained as additional security.
“Bail is a constitutional right, and the discretion lies with the judicial officer. The sureties presented are substantial and capable of ensuring the applicant’s attendance,” Nakyazze ruled.
State prosecutors had opposed his release, arguing that his sureties were too young and that the existence of multiple case files justified denial of bail. However, the magistrate disagreed, noting that the relatives presented—his son and sister—were credible and gainfully employed, making them capable of compelling his attendance in court.
The cases against Prof. Balunywa stem from his alleged decision to appoint over 180 staff members between 2020 and 2023 without following due process of the MUBS Appointments Committee. He is further accused of irregularly recruiting three administrative assistants—James Arike, Nathan Nuwagira, and Nimrod Kakayi—who allegedly lacked the required qualifications.
Prosecutors say the appointments placed undue financial burden on government, amounting to abuse of office. Balunywa is jointly charged with former Acting Human Resource Director, Jacqueline Namaganda, who faces three counts of neglect of duty for failing to verify the eligibility of the appointees. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Through his lawyer, Asuman Matovu, the former principal dismissed the prosecution’s claims, insisting that he had not snubbed any summons and only appeared in court once he was formally served. He also challenged the objection on jurisdiction, stressing that the Anti-Corruption Court has powers to handle cases across the country—a position upheld by the magistrate.
Prof. Balunywa retired from MUBS in May 2023 after a 26-year tenure marked by both praise for his leadership and controversy over his extended stay. His reappointment in 2018 by President Museveni, despite an earlier directive from Education Minister Janet Museveni to find his replacement, remains a key flashpoint in his career.
The court proceedings continue, with prosecutors expected to present evidence on the alleged irregular recruitments in the coming hearings.
