Makerere University has reiterated that writer Yusuf Serunkuma is not affiliated with the institution, insisting that his only connection is as an alumnus. The university issued the clarification on December 26, 2025, addressing the repeated claims made by Serunkuma in his articles.
The statement pointed out that Serunkuma has often signed off his publications as “a political theorist based at Makerere University,” a description the university says is misleading. Officials emphasized that he is neither enrolled nor employed by Makerere University or its research units at present.
This is a continuation of a long-standing dispute. In 2024, Makerere’s principal public relations officer, Rita Namisango, publicly corrected Serunkuma for misrepresenting his academic standing, highlighting that he does not hold a current role at the university.
According to the university, Serunkuma joined a five-year interdisciplinary PhD program in 2012, which included a master’s degree. However, he did not meet the requirements to continue to the PhD stage, resulting in the termination of his enrollment. Makerere stressed that he does not possess a PhD from the university.
Serunkuma, however, disputes these claims. He confirmed that he earned a PhD from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg in Germany and asserts that he is pursuing a second doctorate at Makerere. He accused the university of ignoring facts and attempting to undermine his academic reputation.
The writer further revealed that tensions with Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe began three years ago, citing accusations of xenophobia and undermining staff reputation. Serunkuma linked these conflicts to a court case involving Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, which he claims he won after presenting convincing evidence.
Serunkuma also alleged that Prof. Nawangwe had tried to influence media outlets to remove references to Makerere from his professional profile, a move reportedly resisted by editors at The Observer. He maintains that such attempts do not negate his academic identity or achievements.
Despite the university’s repeated clarifications, Serunkuma remains defiant.
He insists he will continue listing Makerere University in his profile, arguing that his academic contributions and professional identity cannot be diminished by official statements, highlighting a larger debate over credibility, alumni rights, and institutional authority.
