Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has addressed allegations suggesting he was promoted to his current role without meeting the necessary academic qualifications.
Speaking during a televised interview in Kampala on Sunday, April 13, Prof. Nawangwe clarified that he became a professor of architecture in 2013, following a structured and merit-based academic journey.
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“I’ve served at Makerere University for four decades, advancing from assistant lecturer to full professor, in strict adherence to the institution’s promotion policies,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed confidence in his eligibility to lead the institution, stating, “I am the most qualified person to serve as vice chancellor of Makerere. The university’s promotion process is among the most transparent I’ve seen—there is no room for bribery.”
He also revealed that, during the verification of his academic credentials, the university had to look beyond the continent to find a suitable expert. “They couldn’t find an appropriate evaluator within Africa, so they turned to Europe,” he explained.
Having held the VC position since August 2017, Nawangwe reflected on the state of Makerere at the time of his appointment. “The university was in disarray, with frequent student strikes and minimal research output. My efforts to restore order and drive transformation may have upset some individuals,” he noted.
While acknowledging that activism remains at the university, he said it now takes the form of intellectual debate. “We now engage in constructive, informed discussions. Makerere is on a trajectory to become a global leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He also pointed to infrastructural upgrades as part of the university’s progress. “We’ve modernized labs and are continuously improving our research facilities to support world-class innovation,” Nawangwe said.
Regarding Makerere’s position in university rankings, he clarified that although the global ranking has slipped, the university remains highly ranked within Africa. “We’re now recognized as the most international university in the world, largely due to our extensive collaborative research networks,” he added.
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