The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) is grappling with a growing academic scandal following revelations that fake degrees may have been issued to unqualified individuals under the watch of Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar, the institution’s Academic Registrar.
Sources close to the matter disclosed that the controversy stems from a graduation ceremony held approximately two years ago, during which some individuals who had not met the university’s academic requirements were irregularly included on the official graduation list. So far, two individuals—one reportedly a government official stationed in Mbale—have been linked to the scandal.
Rehema Katono, the university’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that an internal investigation was launched after suspicions of academic fraud emerged. The probe, led by an academic affairs committee established by the university rector, found grounds implicating Dr. Wakabi.
“One of the committee’s key recommendations was that the academic registrar vacate the office. The rector has since written a letter to that effect,” said Katono.
Dr. Wakabi has since been temporarily removed from her position, with discussions underway to possibly redeploy her to the Institutional Planning Department. However, Katono stressed that this proposal is pending approval by the university’s appointments committee, which is yet to convene.
“The final decision will be made after the upcoming executive board meeting scheduled for Thursday. A formal statement will be issued thereafter,” Katono added.
As for the students alleged to have received degrees fraudulently, Katono noted that no official decision has been made regarding revocation. “The individuals are expected to be given a fair hearing before any conclusive action is taken,” she said.
Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar made history as IUIU’s first female Academic Registrar and previously served as director of the university’s female campus in Kabojja from 2009. During her tenure, she was credited with spearheading major reforms and improving academic services at the campus.
Despite the severity of the current allegations, some university staff have raised concerns that the scandal may be part of a deeper internal power struggle. Allegations of a targeted witch-hunt have circulated, though no clear evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims.
URN made repeated attempts to reach the implicated individuals for comment. Dr. Wakabi had not returned calls by the time of publication, while one of the affected graduates failed to follow through on an agreed interview.
This incident adds to a troubling trend of academic fraud that has plagued Uganda’s higher education sector in recent years. In 2015, Makerere University was rocked by a scandal involving over 600 students suspected of graduating with altered exam results. In 2022, Kyambogo University faced a similar controversy when university officials attempted to manipulate student marks via the online portal, leading to arrests and mass removal from graduation lists.
With investigations ongoing at IUIU, the academic community is once again confronted with the pressing need for tighter oversight and transparency in university administration.
