The arraignment of Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, a former long serving principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), charged with various offences before the Anti-Corruption Court last week, has shaken many. Even hitherto “silent” personalities, including fellow professors, have come out.
However, the Professor’s issues should not overly agitate members of the public, family, friends and those that hold him in high esteem.
Prof. Balunywa, indisputably, is an eminent and respected Ugandan with many friends and contacts here and abroad who has served a distinguished career as an educational administrator credited with starting MUBS as an offshoot of Makerere University. He has touched many lives, more so those that have gone through MUBS. Many paid tribute, celebrating how they were mentored by him, or how the education they received under his tutelage has made them what they are.
Back in Busoga, his influence and that of the greater Balunywa family, known for its contribution in Uganda’s politics, religious circles, plus cultural and communal initiatives in Busoga, have come to bear.
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But the professor’s issues have nothing to do with his ethnic roots (or his profession, or religion or political line of thinking). He is like anyone else before the law, and would still have been called to answer if he were someone or something else as long as there is “smoke”. It’s not a partisan matter. There is nothing in this like targeting Busoga because he is neither the first nor likely the last Musoga to appear in court. It’s an election where we are voting on who is right or wrong. It’s one man versus the law!
The general commentary introducing tribal, political and personal sentiments and feelings is uncalled for and capable of complicating matters if not moderated before going too far. Neither can emotional outbursts help. Friday’s successful bail application didn’t come from blaming or cursing anyone. It was secured by fulfilling legal procedures and supporting the suspect’s legal team with the necessary requirements to have him freed as per constitutional provisions.
Attacking or accusing President Yoweri Museveni is most unfair because he is not the law and was supportive of Balunywa during his time of service. It’s wrong to apportion blame to him because the Head-Of-State accords us the opportunity to serve the country based on our competences and patriotism. It is up to us to serve with diligence and caution. If we make mistakes, he isn’t responsible and they come back to us. But when we are innocent victims of witch-hunt, justice is guaranteed because this is the essence of his leadership and the longstanding liberation cause. Under Amin, it would be a different story as happened to Shaban Nkutu-and William Nkoko, Rashid Ntare and the Kazimoto group.
Prof. Balunywa matters are of a criminal nature. Criminal proceedings are always between a suspect, the investigating authorities, prosecuting bodies and anybody accessory to the case. Anyone that isn’t an investigative officer may not know what’s on file to be able to comment authoritatively, fairly or helpfully. My appeal is to all those concerned for Balunywa but not privy to the substance of the case(s) he is charged with to be patient and remain cool and give time to court to do its job. Eventually, the truth will emerge and help set him free. And at his level, he is conversant with how the law works and is able to do his part for justice to prevail.
The same goes to those that may have problems with him, for whatever reason. The law shouldn’t be pushed or manipulated.
My appeal is in good faith.
Like many, I know Balunywa personally and celebrate him as a trailblazer and honoured son of a subregion where I also hail from.
He has made a contribution serving in various capacities, and has continued to mentor people, young and old, in life skills, work ethics, pursuing success in economic and corporate settings, leadership, humanitarian work, etc. In all these spheres the sudden turn of events could be expected to occasion concern, but kijja kuggwa (it will come to an end).
Efforts by the abaisemenha clan, where Prof. Balunywa’s mother hails from, for negotiations- with the possibility of settling matters out of court- is the way to go; and this without sidestepping legal provisions because public servants are enjoined to be accountable in their service at all times. All options are on table to ensure justice, dignity and fairness.
Hajji Faruk Kirunda the Special Presidential
Assistant-Press & Mobilisation/Deputy Press Secretary
Email: faruk.kirunda@statehouse.go.ug
0776980486/0783990861
