Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has come under public scrutiny after sharing his academic credentials online in response to growing skepticism about his qualifications.
However, instead of putting the matter to rest, the disclosure has sparked a fresh debate over his academic performance, with many questioning whether his grades were befitting of his esteemed position.
The documents, which include his East African Certificate of Education (EACE) from 1973 and his East African Advanced Certificate of Education (EAACE) from 1975, show that Prof. Nawangwe obtained modest results.
His performance in key subjects such as Mathematics and Physics—both crucial for his later studies in engineering—have been deemed underwhelming by some members of the public.
According to the revealed documents, Prof. Nawangwe obtained a grade of C in Mathematics and Physics at the advanced level, with additional subsidiary passes in Chemistry and General Paper.
His overall result was 5, which qualified him for the award of the UACE certificate but has left many questioning whether it demonstrated academic excellence.
Despite these concerns, Prof. Nawangwe defended his credentials in an official statement, emphasizing that while his grades may not have been top-tier, they did not prevent him from excelling in his later academic and professional pursuits.
He highlighted that he went on to study at Kiev Institute of Civil Engineering, where he earned a Master of Science in Architecture with distinction and later obtained a PhD in Architecture.
The Vice Chancellor also sought to dismiss allegations that he lacked the required publications for his promotion, asserting that he submitted the necessary number of peer-reviewed research papers, which were vetted and approved.
However, the debate on social media remains heated, with critics arguing that his early academic performance raises questions about the standards required for top leadership positions in Uganda’s most prestigious university.
Some have defended him, pointing out that grades alone do not define one’s capabilities or success in academia.
While Prof. Nawangwe hopes his public disclosure will end speculation, the controversy surrounding his academic background may linger, as questions persist over meritocracy and qualifications in Uganda’s education sector.
