Makerere University is one of Africa’s most prestigious universities. The university is home to the Makerere University Business School (MUBS), known for its outstanding academic programs and research. For decades, the institution has produced some of the most exceptional business leaders in the continent. The current situation at MUBS has seen students rallying for the extension of Prof Waswa Balunywa’s contract, a move that has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders.
Prof Waswa Balunywa is a household name in the Ugandan academic fraternity and the entire East African community. With over 25 years of experience as an academician, Prof Balunywa has played a pivotal role in the success of Makerere University Business School.
Prof Balunywa’s tenure as the Dean of MUBS came to an end on May 26 this year, and his contract expired. The Makerere Business School Students’ Association started a petition to extend his contract. The petition has garnered several retweets on Twitter, and the students are not relenting on their call for an extension.
The reasons behind the call for Prof Balunywa’s contract extension are numerous. Firstly, Prof Balunywa’s excellent leadership skills have transformed MUBS into one of the best business schools in Uganda and beyond. Under his leadership, the school has expanded its academic programs, added research capabilities, and increased its international profile. His wealth of experience and knowledge has been a significant asset to the institution.
Secondly, Prof Balunywa’s contribution to the development of business education in Uganda is undeniable. His vision for making MUBS a center of excellence in business and management education is coming to fruition. Through his initiatives, the school has developed innovative entrepreneurial programs that have empowered many Ugandan youth to start their businesses, creating jobs and wealth.
On the other hand, failure to extend Prof Balunywa’s contract could lead to significant consequences. The school could lose its stability, and the academic programs are likely to be disrupted. Also, the experience and leadership that Prof Balunywa offers to the institution may be lost, leading to a decline in the quality of education offered at MUBS.
In conclusion, the Makerere University Business School issue is an example of how strong leadership can make a difference in an academic institution. The students’ call for an extension of Prof Balunywa’s contract is justified, given his exceptional leadership and academic excellence. The management of MUBS should recognize the importance of Prof Balunywa’s tenure and extend his contract to continue the good work he has been doing in transforming the institution into a center of excellence in business education.
Professor Balunywa’s tenure ended on May 26, 2018. Therefore, he was granted a five-year extension that also concluded on May 26.
Dear Your Excellency @KagutaMuseveni we kindly ask you to renew our principal's contract @jwbalunywa your Bazzukulu at Mubs want him. He's the right man to build us for the future. Already tested and proven@AByattale president government students @OfficialMubs and Uganda pic.twitter.com/hT9NB0p6ld
— Arafat Kayondo (@AByattale) June 5, 2023
