Action by Makerere University in response to allegations against Dr. Buyinza Faizal. T
CERESAV thanks everyone who has stood with Hanifa Nakiryowa and helped amplify the call for justice, dignity, and accountability.
The #JusticeForHanifa campaign has continued to inspire public conversations and collective action across social media. From sharing the petition and Hanifa’s story to embracing Orange Wednesday, the community has demonstrated the power of solidarity in keeping gender-based violence, harassment, and accountability in higher education in the public conversation.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who signed and shared the petition, created content, participated in Orange Wednesday, used the campaign hashtags, and encouraged others to speak out. Every post, signature, message, and conversation has helped sustain this important call for accountability.
Makerere University Announces Action
On 7 October 2026, Makerere University’s Office of the Vice-Chancellor issued an official communication outlining steps taken in response to allegations against Dr. Faisal Buyinza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis.
According to the university’s statement, management appointed a committee to investigate the allegations and directed Dr. Buyinza to step aside from his departmental leadership and other university administrative positions while the investigation proceeds. The Dean of the School of Economics will oversee the department in the interim.
The university also stated that complainants and witnesses would have an opportunity to present their accounts, while Dr. Buyinza would be given an opportunity to respond in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The committee is required to submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor by 6 November 2026.
The university described these measures as administrative steps to protect the integrity of the investigation, clarify that they do not constitute a finding of guilt, and emphasized protection against intimidation, victimisation, and retaliation.
The Campaign Continues
This announcement marks an important development in the institutional response. However, the process must be followed through fairly, transparently, and without unnecessary delay. Those who come forward must be treated with dignity, and the confidentiality and safety of complainants and witnesses must be protected.
At CERESAV, we believe that speaking out against harassment and gender-based violence should never come at the cost of a person’s safety, dignity, or future. Institutions must provide safe reporting mechanisms, conduct credible investigations, and uphold accountability.
Thank you for standing with Hanifa. Your solidarity has helped keep this issue visible and encouraged wider public engagement.
Let us continue to raise our voices responsibly and peacefully until the process reaches a clear and accountable conclusion.
Sign and share the petition: https://c.org/SYVHFzJbNr
Follow and share the campaign using #JusticeForHanifa and #NoStoryLeftUntold.
Together, we can help build a culture where survivors are heard, institutions are accountable, and everyone can pursue education and opportunity free from harassment and violence.
Justice, dignity, and accountability matter.