The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has launched a probing investigation into concerning allegations surrounding a prominent university in Uganda. The investigation has uncovered a range of issues, raising serious questions about the university’s operations and management.
Among the allegations being investigated are several instances of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities. Some of the key issues include:
Financial Concerns
- Failure to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
- Neglecting to remit National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions of staff.
- Irregular payment of responsibility allowances.
- Tuition fees not paid to URA but directly to individual staff accounts.
- Operating expenditure accounts reportedly managed within the Dean of Students’ office.
- A significant increase in the wage bill deficit, from Shs. 3 billion to over Shs. 25 billion, impacting the timely and proper payment of staff salaries.
Recruitment Irregularities
- Refusal to adhere to lawful directives, including those from the President, regarding recruitments.
- Alleged victimization of members of the university’s management.
- Irregular creation of new departments and faculties.
- Appointment of heads and campus directors without appropriate qualifications.
- Recruitment of academic staff without proper qualifications or completion of necessary academic requirements.
Allegations of Nepotism and Misconduct:
A particularly alarming revelation from the investigation is the reported irregular recruitment of over 400 staff members, many of whom were allegedly hired without following due process. Some concerning aspects of these recruitments include:
- Recruitment of academic staff even when they had retakes and had not completed their Bachelor’s degrees.
- Instances where individuals were recruited without applying for the jobs, later being asked to write and backdate their job applications.
- Allegations of backdating appointment letters and bypassing established procedures for recruitment.
Family Ties at Play
In a striking detail, it has been alleged that a significant portion of these irregularly recruited staff members—over 107 individuals—are said to be children, relatives, mistresses, and in-laws of a former top university official.
An example provided was that of a former Guild President, who reportedly had a retake (failed) in Accounting II but was still recruited as a Teaching Assistant, despite holding a Second-Class Lower degree.
The investigation has been fueled by reports from concerned whistleblowers within the university. One such whistleblower revealed in a report to the IGG: “They were called to pick appointment letters and then asked to write and backdate their job applications.”
The fallout from these alleged misconducts has had a significant impact on the university’s staff and financial stability. The whistleblower report noted that many staff members are now underpaid, operating outside the established salary structures issued by the Ministry of Public Service.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the findings and hoping for swift action to rectify the alleged wrongdoings. The university, once esteemed for its academic excellence, now finds itself embroiled in a scandal that threatens its reputation and integrity.
The Inspector General of Government has assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations, with the ultimate goal of restoring accountability and transparency within the institution.
Stay tuned for further updates as this investigation unfolds, revealing more about the alleged misconduct and its repercussions on the university’s operations and staff members. The spotlight remains firmly on this top university as it navigates these tumultuous waters of scrutiny and accountability.
