Makerere University Leadership Turmoil: WhatsApp Group Removals

Makerere University recently witnessed a significant shake-up in its leadership, sparking widespread confusion and speculation among officials. The sudden removal of Dr. Kakumba, the deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs, from key WhatsApp groups has raised questions about the institution’s governance.

Dr. Kakumba’s Removal from WhatsApp Groups

On Friday, Dr. Kakumba was unexpectedly removed from the ‘Mak Academic Leaders’ WhatsApp group by Winston Tumps Ireeta, an associate professor of physics. This action occurred without any prior notice, leading to confusion among university officials.

Trails of WhatsApp messages seen by the Nile Post reveal that officials at Uganda’s premier institution of learning were left in the dark, wondering what had transpired. Deputy Registrar Patience Mushengyezi Rubabinda further removed Dr. Kakumba from the ‘Mak Senate Members’ group, intensifying the mystery.

Replacement Speculations

Following Dr. Kakumba’s removal, a new number appeared in the groups, seemingly belonging to Dr. David Luyombya, an Associate Professor of Records and Archives Management. This prompted speculation about whether Dr. Luyombya was stepping up to replace Kakumba as the acting deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs.

University Officials Respond

The Nile Post reached out to Dr. Kakumba for comments on the whirlwind events but received no response more than 24 hours later. One official expressed belief that Dr. Kakumba, if informed about the end of his tenure, would have personally communicated his departure to the WhatsApp groups.

Contract and Reappointment

Seven months ago, Dr. Kakumba applied for evaluation and reappointment under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). However, his only communication regarding his status was his removal from various WhatsApp groups. This situation has raised concerns about the governance practices at Makerere University.

Vice Chancellor’s Brief Response

Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the university vice chancellor, stated briefly that such removals are “normal” and indicated that Dr. Kakumba’s contract had ended. However, he did not confirm whether Dr. Luyombya had been appointed as the acting deputy vice chancellor.

Leadership Vacuum

The departure of Dr. Kakumba leaves Makerere University without a deputy vice chancellor. The second deputy vice chancellor position remains vacant, awaiting a substantive appointment by the University Council. This situation potentially places Prof Nawangwe in multiple roles, acting as the chancellor, vice chancellor, deputy for academic affairs, and deputy for finance and administration.

MUASA’s Involvement

Dr. Ireeta’s involvement in removing Dr. Kakumba from the WhatsApp group has drawn criticism from the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA). Once a rising star supported by MUASA, Dr. Ireeta lost his seat on the Council after allegedly no longer serving MUASA’s interests.

Dr. Ireeta’s Response

When contacted about the allegations, Dr. Ireeta appeared unfazed, simply stating, “It’s okay.”

In conclusion ,the sudden removal of Dr. Kakumba from key WhatsApp groups has highlighted underlying issues within Makerere University’s leadership and governance. As the institution navigates this period of uncertainty, the academic community eagerly awaits clarity on the future direction of its leadership.