Grief in Iganga as Prof. Balunywa Loses Mother — Family Says Her Son’s Recent Imprisonment Weighed Heavily on Her
The family of Professor Waswa Balunywa is mourning the loss of their beloved mother, the late Ziriyati Balunywa Naigaga, whose passing has cast a sombre mood over Kasolo Village in Bulamagi Sub-county, Iganga District.
The burial is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, 23rd November 2025, at the family home in Kasolo, starting at 2:00 PM. Those informed include religious leaders, political leaders, family members, friends, and in-laws.
Family members say the late Ziriyati had been deeply affected by the legal tribulations and imprisonment of her son, Prof. Waswa Balunywa, earlier this year — a situation that weighed heavily on her in her final months.
Early this month, in a dramatic turn of events, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, formally withdrew all criminal proceedings against the former Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Principal and his co-accused, Jacqueline Namaganda.
In a withdrawal form dated November 7, 2025, addressed to the Chief Magistrate of Nakawa Court, DPP Abodo stated:
“The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to discontinue proceedings against A1, Professor Waswa Balunywa, A2, Namaganda Jacqueline, charged with 3 counts of abuse of office… [and] 3 counts of neglect of duty…”
The discontinued case — registered under DPP Case No. HQS-CO-004-2025 and Police Case No. CIDHQTRS E/070/2025 — had seen Prof. Balunywa remanded to Luzira Prison by the Anti-Corruption Court. He was accused of irregularly recruiting administrative assistants who allegedly lacked the minimum academic qualifications, and in another file, of irregularly recruiting up to 200 staff members between 2020 and 2023.
For the Balunywa family, however, the legal storm came at an emotional cost. Relatives say the ordeal deeply troubled their elderly mother, whose health deteriorated as she witnessed her son’s arrest, detention, and public scrutiny.
As preparations for her final journey continue in Iganga, mourners are expected to gather in large numbers to honor a matriarch remembered for her resilience, faith, and unwavering support to her children.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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