A government reveals its priorities through how it allocates funds. By February 2024, Makerere University had only 78 professors out of the 419 required—clearly highlighting the Makerere University decline. This shortfall affects not only professors but also associate professors and assistant lecturers. Meanwhile, Parliament continues its growth toward 600 members, although experts agree that 200 to 300 would be adequate.
Although academics often disregard public opinion from the less educated, such individuals still dominate the airwaves. For instance, Kamagu—a popular host on Top Radio—uses his breakfast program to mix morality rants with gossip and sexist remarks. On one hand, he claims to be a fearless media voice against corruption. On the other hand, he urges ordinary citizens to invent stories that extract money from President Museveni—an open contradiction.
In July 2024, the Daily Monitor published findings from Times Higher Education, reporting that Makerere fell from 8th to 41st place among African universities. This dramatic drop became a headline marker of the Makerere University decline. Immediately, Kamagu turned his attention to Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, demanding his resignation. Furthermore, he appealed to Education Minister Janet Museveni to intervene.
However, this narrative oversimplifies a complex institutional crisis. Nawangwe’s leadership is not merely an accident—it fits a broader political vision. For years, the NRM government has restructured Makerere to reduce academic independence. As a result, liberal voices that question state authority have been sidelined or driven away. What remains is a controlled, cautious academic culture. Thus, the Makerere University decline stems from a calculated erosion of intellectual freedom.
The statistics reinforce this argument. While Makerere struggles with chronic underfunding, Parliament and other government institutions receive generous allocations. For example, Parliament keeps expanding, and hundreds of RDCs and presidential advisors continue drawing public salaries. Clearly, the government places little value on academic excellence and research.
Therefore, blaming Nawangwe alone is misleading. Widespread corruption, nepotism, and fear are now embedded across Uganda’s institutions. Even oversight bodies like Parliament and the IGG appear too timid to hold the Education Ministry accountable for Makerere’s woes. Unsurprisingly, such trends accelerate the Makerere University decline.
Kamagu’s broadcasts further expose this systemic failure. Whenever callers criticize President Museveni or the First Lady, he abruptly cuts them off. Despite his loud claims of fearlessness, his actions show compliance with power. Consequently, his selective outrage seems more performative than genuine.
Ultimately, the Makerere University decline mirrors deeper national issues. Rebuilding this iconic institution requires more than a change in leadership. It demands a new commitment to academic freedom, fair funding, and institutional autonomy. Unless national priorities shift, no vice chancellor—regardless of competence—can reverse this downfall.
Read: Makerere University Staff Calls for Strike
