David Odong, a Dental surgeon who graduated from Kampala International University (KIU) in June 2017 has sued the University and National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) over his fake degree in Dental Surgery.
Odong, who also holds a Diploma in Health Tutorship from Makerere University and another Diploma in Public Health from Mulago Paramedical School, decided to pursue his ambition of a lifetime by enrolling for a Bachelors Degree in Dental Surgery at KIU in 2011. However, upon completion of the course 5 years later, he applied to register for a medical license at the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) but his application was rejected severally on grounds that his degree is invalid.
Odong stresses that the prerequisite for registration as a dental practitioner with UMDPC is an internship programme with a recognized hospital in order to garner experience. According to him, he did internship with Mulago hospital and as such, he is perplexed by denial of the body to allow him practice what he studied for many years in vain. In fact UMDPC has advised him to enroll and study the course afresh.
Odong has therefore sued KIU, UMDPC, and NCHE for deceit, fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of contract and trust for which he seeks damages and costs.
He has also dragged them to the civil division of the High Court in Kampala for negligence, breach of statutory duty, loss of economic and financial prospects and loss of self esteem in demand for compensation. Odong demands Shs. 371 million in damages which includes tuition for Five years.
“I am unable to utilize my education and to commercially exploit, develop and to take full benefit of my education investment for which I seek compensation,” Said Odong.
Odong also said that a notice of intention to sue was served to the defendants but they ignored it.
The Court Registrar, Sarah Langa Siu has directed the defendants to prepare a written statement of defence on Odong’s allegations within 15 days from the date of service of summons.
“Should you fail to file a written statement of defence in the suit, the plaintiff may proceed with the suit and judgment may be given in your absence,” Sarah Langa warned.
