The Head of the NRM National Chairman’s Office (ONC) Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo has refuted allegations that she has been soliciting money from Ugandans seeking for study scholarships in Iran.
Hajjat Namyalo refuted the reports on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 while addressing journalists at her office in Kyambogo. Namyalo is said to have been summoned to appear at Kampala Central Police Station to answer to allegations of extortion and human trafficking.
She told the press that she cautioned students not to pay any bribe in order to be considered for the scholarships, adding that those that had paid should go and demand for their money from whoever they paid it to.
“What I can say about this matter is that Iran gave us scholarships and this was coordinated by a one Esther Nankinga. When they brought these students to me, I cautioned them [students] not to pay any single coin to any person. So if you know you paid money go demand it now from whoever you gave it to, or go to the police and report them,” she said.
Namyalo lashed out at ‘propagandists’ spreading rumours to tarnish her good image saying anyone accusing her should present proof instead of fronting biased and baseless rumours.
“I have been seeing all that trash of people talking carelessly about this matter of Iran, the truth is no one paid me a single coin. If any student is saying they paid ONC to get the scholarship or paid me as a person let that person go to the police with proof they come and arrest me,” she said.
ONC received scholarship opportunities from the Islamic Republic of Iran in October last year. The scholarships that cater for both tuition, food and accommodation were to be awarded on merit to Ugandans that wanted to pursue degree and masters programs in Iran.
While several beneficiaries have been sent off to Iran to start on their studies, the method of awarding these scholarship has been contested.
