MPs concerned about Sexual harassment
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – Lawmakers are concerned about ongoing allegations of sexual harassment in Makerere University, Kampala (MAK). Sexual harassment allegations, together with concerns over non-registration of students under State House scholarships and accreditation of University programmes were some of the issues raised by members on the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) while meeting MAK’s leadership, examining the institution’s accountability and service delivery on Monday, 26 October 2026.
Kabarole District Woman MP, Hon. Annet Kirungi asked how the university was protecting female students amid the allegations of sexual harassment.
“I speak for the parents who send their children to one of the biggest universities in Africa, thinking that their children will be in good hands,” she said.
The University’s Secretary, Yusuf Kiranda said the institution has zero tolerance to sexual harassment and established procedures to investigate complaints.
He said management appointed a committee to investigate recent allegations, invited complainants to submit evidence and asked the officer concerned to step aside.
“Staff found guilty in previous investigations were dismissed and justice will be served in the ongoing cases,” Kiranda said.
Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South County) questioned reports that students awarded State House scholarships had been denied registration, forcing some to return home.
Olanya said President Yoweri Museveni had awarded 100 scholarships to students from the Acholi sub-region, particularly those pursuing science courses.
Kiranda said the university only registered students whose names were officially communicated by State House and he pledged to investigate the complaints if the affected students’ details were provided.
CAPTION: Part of the Makerere University team appearing before the House Committee on Public Accounts (Central Government) on Monday, 26 October 2026. (Courtesy Photo).
Hon. Fredrick Angura (NRM, Tororo South County) questioned delays in course accreditation and the discontinuation of programmes, citing an example of Construction Management.
Kiranda maintained that all the university’s programmes were accredited by the National Council for Higher Education, explaining that curriculum reviews and discontinued programmes did not invalidate qualifications already earned.
“A qualification does not expire,” he said, adding that the university had improved the accreditation status of its programmes.
Meanwhile, the committee’s chairperson, Hon. Patrick Nsamba questioned the decision by the university’s management to restrict access to the Freedom Square.
Makerere University’s Freedom Square serves as a central ceremonial ground, a public green space, and a historic symbol of academic freedom, expression, and assembly in Kampala.
Nsamba warned that restricting access to the square could undermine the development of future leaders.
“This is what you are calling controlling. You are killing the new leaders that are going to come. Why did you choose that?” he asked.
Nsamba said that unlike several years ago, where the freedom square was a platform for political debate, the space is no longer accessible to students.
Kiranda defended the restrictions, saying that management had introduced advance booking to address competition for university venues among political, cultural, religious and academic associations.
“We have often experienced clashes in booking of these venues. So management decided that anybody who wants to convene a meeting using a public space at the university should book in advance,” Kiranda said.
Meanwhile, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Henry Alinaitwe appealed for increased government funding to improve students’ welfare, saying students receive a daily allowance of Shs4,500.
“We want Parliament to give us more money so that we are able to feed our students at a higher level, at a better level,” Alinaitwe said.
