news 16 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Orders Student to Pay Costs After Dismissing Late Challenge Against Cavendish University Suspension
The High Court in Kampala dismissed a former Cavendish University student's bid for his academic results and disciplinary records, ruling the application was filed well beyond the legal three-month limit. Justice Joyce Kavuma ordered Letia Atabua Shamil to cover the university's legal costs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/student-ordered-to-pay-costs-after-losing-case-against-cavendish-university-5392974
A former student at Cavendish University Uganda, Letia Atabua Shamil, lost his High Court case seeking academic transcripts and disciplinary documents after his indefinite suspension in October 2022.
Justice Joyce Kavuma dismissed the application against the university, its disciplinary committee, and Academic Registrar Michael Okopa, citing it was filed on November 2, 2023—over eight months after the disciplinary decision on February 10, 2023.
The judge referenced Section 40(7) of Uganda’s Judicature Act, which mandates judicial review applications within three months unless extended by the court. No extension request was made, stripping the court of jurisdiction.
Shamil claimed the suspension lacked a fair hearing, violated regulations, and followed unaddressed complaints about lecturer discrimination. He wanted results to transfer to International University of East Africa and details of the February 2023 committee meeting.
The university countered that the suspension stemmed from repeated staff insults, with Shamil continuing abusive behavior during investigations and skipping a committee invitation to file suit instead. They noted he never formally requested results, which are released periodically.
“This application is hereby dismissed with costs to the respondents,” Justice Kavuma ruled on March 16, 2026.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)