Balunywa fate in hands of Janet Museveni

Higher education minister John Chrysostom Muyingo has said the fate of Makerere Business School (MUBS) principal Prof. Wasswa Balunywa rests squarely on the First Lady and Education minister Janet Museveni. 

Balunywa was set to leave the institution after reaching the retirement age of 60 years as he is ineligible for reappointment according to the Pensions Act.

However, Muyingo has hinted that Balunywa, who has served as principal of the semi-autonomous institution affiliated to Makerere University since 2003, has a chance of keeping his job.

"The last time I was involved, I looked at a letter Mama (Mrs Museveni) had written requesting Education Service Commission (ESC) to advertise [the job of principal MUBS]. But later, I learnt that the chairperson Education Service Commission had advised otherwise," said Muyingo. 

"I will only come in if she asks for advice, but for now, she is squarely in charge," he added.

In letter her April 11 to the chairperson of the ESC, Mrs Museveni had asked ESC to start the search process for the next MUBS principal before May 28, in order to avoid a vacuum after Balunywa's term comes to an end.

"The purpose of this letter is, therefore, to inform you that the permanent secretary of the education ministry will make a formal submission on the job specifications, duties and age requirement for the post of principal of MUBS," revealed the letter.

Mrs Museveni cited Section 83 of the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001, which gives powers to the Education Service Commission to recruit principals of public tertiary institutions.

President's letter

However, later on April 29, President Museveni wrote to the Education Minister, Mrs Museveni, recommending Balunywa for re-appointment, if he passed the selection criteria.

"I have seen a copy of a letter Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba wrote to you on March 5, 2018 regarding expiry of the term of office of Prof. Balunywa. He proposes that Balunywa be re-appointed as Principal of Makerere University Business School," the letter read.

"Since Prof Balunywa is a serious implementer of programmes and a patriotic educationist, whose institution has never been part of the indiscipline of strike, etc., I have no objection to his re-appointment if all other factors are in order."

However, New Vision has learnt that Baryamureeba, who serves as the chairperson of Council of MUBS, now wants Balunywa's reappointment plan shelved as it would be illegal as per Section 12 of the Pension Act Cap 286.

Balunywa, who has been at the helm of the institution for the last 15 years, has not publically stated interest in having another term and was unavailable for comment by press time.