Retired Brigadier General Emmanuel Rwashande’s academic triumph at Nkumba University has taken an unexpected turn after Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, publicly questioned the legitimacy of the General’s First-Class Honours Degree.
Gen. Rwashande was among thousands of graduands who received degrees during Nkumba University’s 27th Graduation Ceremony held over the weekend, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy. His distinction drew widespread attention and praise, especially among supporters who viewed it as a comeback following past scrutiny of his academic credentials.
However, Prof. Baryamureeba — a prominent educationist, former presidential candidate, and founder of Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) — took to social media to express doubt over whether Rwashande’s top-class degree was genuinely earned.
“I want to bet that if he (Rwashande) sits for one paper where he has an A and gets an A under a neutral examiner that is not a staff of Bukoba University [sic], I shall contribute UGX 100 million to his campaign,” Prof. Baryamureeba posted.
The professor’s statement, which quickly went viral, sparked heated debate across academic and political circles — with many interpreting it as a direct challenge to Nkumba University’s academic integrity.
Gen. Rwashande’s educational background has been a recurring issue since the NRM party primaries, where his qualifications were contested by Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo. At the time, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) faced criticism for reportedly equating the General’s military training to a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), allowing him to qualify for university admission.
The conferral of a First-Class degree from Nkumba University was widely viewed as a vindication of his academic journey and a boost to his political ambitions. Yet, Prof. Baryamureeba’s remarks have reignited skepticism and reopened discussions about academic credibility, merit, and political influence in higher education.
As of press time, neither Nkumba University nor Gen. Rwashande had responded to Prof. Baryamureeba’s comments. During his graduation speech, however, the retired army officer attributed his success to hard work, consistency, and self-discipline.
“Even at my age, the thirst for knowledge never fades. I read late into the night and never missed any class or coursework,” he said.
The debate continues to divide opinion — with some defending the General’s achievement as a symbol of determination, while others demand greater transparency from universities awarding degrees to high-profile individuals.
This latest controversy underscores growing public concern over academic standards and integrity in Uganda’s higher education institutions. Observers warn that frequent disputes over qualifications risk undermining confidence in the country’s university system.
As discussions intensify online, many await official clarification — either from Prof. Baryamureeba, Nkumba University, or Gen. Rwashande himself — to put the matter to rest.
For now, one thing is clear: what began as a proud academic celebration has evolved into yet another chapter in Uganda’s ongoing debate about education, politics, and credibility.
