When, in November 2016, President Museveni appointed a 9-member committee to inquire into the affairs of Makerere university, pundits were pessimistic and asserted nothing would be unearthed.
The committee came about after the university was closed following weeks of a sit-down strike by lecturers. In his statement, the President indicated that the committee would review the reports of earlier committees, find out what was or was not implemented, and make new recommendations, if necessary. Makerere University- Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning, has been tainted by allegations of gross mismanagement.
Fast forward to June this year and the visitation committee has established that the institution has been budgeting for more students than it actually has.
Sources reveal that the University has also been collecting money from students, which disappears almost in thin air.
The committee also carried out a head-count to establish the correct student population.
It is alleged that whereas the University placed its official figure at 46,000 students, the commission established the number is around 30,000 students.
Much as the figure was arrived at through a headcount which some students could have foregone, the margin is overwhelming.
Further revealed was that at least 4,000 students were found not to have identity cards, or that there their names were absent from the University’s official records much as they were paying money to the University, which money was never included on the central account.
The committee is currently awaiting an appointment with President Museveni to hand in its report.
Committee members Dr. Abel Rwendeire as Chairperson, Tim Lwanga, Dr Florence Muranga, Dr. Proscovia Namubiru, John F.S Muwanga, Dr Paul Musasizi.
