The Anti-Corruption Court has granted bail to former Makerere University Business School (MUBS) principal, Prof. Waswa Balunywa, in two separate cases involving alleged abuse of office.
His release comes after spending three nights on remand at Luzira Prison.
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, who led MUBS for over 20 years before stepping down in 2022, faces accusations of irregular staff appointments and mismanagement of institutional resources claims he strongly denies.
On Friday, the court set bail terms for the two cases. In the first, Waswa Balunywa was ordered to pay 10 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $2,700) in cash, with additional non-cash sureties worth 100 million shillings. The second case required 5 million shillings in cash and sureties of 50 million shillings.
Prosecutors from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had attempted to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that some witnesses fall outside its legal reach. However, the presiding judge dismissed the objection, affirming that the Anti-Corruption Court holds nationwide jurisdiction.
The 67-year-old appeared composed and smiling during his court appearance—his first public sighting since the charges were brought against him.
Reactions remain divided. Supporters of Prof. Balunywa claim the charges are politically driven, while critics argue the case highlights persistent governance issues within Uganda’s public institutions.
In recent years, the Ugandan government has intensified efforts to prosecute senior officials implicated in corruption, citing it as a major barrier to effective public service.
Prof. Balunywa is scheduled to return to court on October 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. as the trial continues.