In 2018, when the contract of Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), expired, President Museveni intervened to secure another term for him.
At that time, Balunywa was 62 years old, and the Chairperson of the MUBS Council, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, was determined to see him leave. This led to public outbursts between the two.
However, tensions were eventually eased when the President directed the reappointment of Balunywa for another five-year term.
Now, this term has also come to an end.
An internal memo sent to MUBS staff, seen by this publication, announced that Prof. Moses Muhwezi, who had been Balunywa's deputy, has been appointed as the Acting Principal, in accordance with Section 40(2)(d) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended). This appointment will be in effect until the position is filled substantively in accordance with the law.
Balunywa, now 68 years old, has held the helm at MUBS for 25 years, and it remains to be seen whether he will attempt to extend his tenure at the Nakawa-based institution to 30 years by staging another fight.
The question arises: Will President Museveni intervene again?
There are also speculations about Balunywa potentially replacing the late Mutebile as Governor or Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda.
We will have to wait and see what unfolds.
