Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Director Prof Pontiano Kaleebu has refuted cases of nepotism following a barrage of allegations against his leadership.
Reports allege that Prof Kaleebu has favored relatives, friends, and in-laws by offering them lucrative positions within the institute, particularly highlighting the rapid rise of his in-law, Dr. Tom Lutalo.
Kaleebu, who has served as Director of UVRI for over a decade, is credited with significant achievements, including expanding research beyond HIV to other viral pathogens, vaccine research, and non-communicable diseases.
He has been instrumental in training young scientists and advancing research in East Africa and beyond.
In recognition of his contributions to public health and education, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
However, these accomplishments have recently been overshadowed by claims of nepotism.
Critics allege that Prof Kaleebu has strategically placed close relatives and friends in key positions at UVRI, in violation of public service regulations.
Most notably, Dr. Tom Lutalo, currently the Assistant Director at UVRI, has been accused of benefiting from favoritism due to his relationship with Kaleebu.
Lutalo now heads the Rakai Health Sciences Program, a highly funded initiative, raising further concerns about the fairness of his promotion.
Speaking to TrumpetNews on Tuesday, Prof Kaleebu strongly refuted these claims, calling them baseless. He defended his actions, asserting that promotions at UVRI are based on merit.
“People who do good work deserve promotion, irrespective of who they are,” he said.
Addressing the specific case of Dr. Lutalo’s promotion, Prof Kaleebu emphasized that he had declared a conflict of interest and had refrained from participating in or influencing the promotion committee’s decisions. He stated that he neither attended the committee meetings nor influenced the health commission in charge of making the final decision.
Kaleebu also pointed to a long-standing effort by certain individuals to undermine him throughout his career at UVRI.
He revealed that complaints had been filed against him with the Inspectorate of Government, State House, and even the President, but investigations into these matters had found no evidence of wrongdoing.
“Investigations have been conducted and nothing they allege is true. And they don’t scare me with their lies and I don’t care because all they have been saying is rubbish,” Kaleebu remarked.
