Parliament Committee Urges Review of Disputed Ernest Cook University Degrees

The Parliament of Uganda’s Committee on Education and Sports has called for a thorough review of degrees awarded by Ernest Cook University that have not been recognized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). This recommendation stems from an inquiry initiated by a petition presented to Parliament on June 8, 2026, by Dr. Henry Garvin Mukalazi and other affected graduates.

The petitioners alleged that Ernest Cook University enrolled students in Bachelor’s degree programs for Diagnostic Ultrasound and Medical Imaging before these programs had secured the necessary accreditation. Presenting the committee’s report, Chairperson Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho stated that evidence indicated at least one student was admitted to the Bachelor of Diagnostic Ultrasound program in 2011, significantly before its accreditation in December 2013.

The committee also pointed to a lapse in oversight by the NCHE, noting that the council was in communication with the university and even suggested an affiliation with Gulu University, implying awareness of student enrollment in these courses. The report further highlighted that the NCHE released harmonized minimum admission requirements for health-related degree programs in 2017, almost a decade after the regulations became effective.

To address the situation, the committee has proposed the formation of a joint review committee. This committee would include representatives from the NCHE, Ernest Cook University, and the Allied Health Professionals Council. Its mandate would be to assess each affected graduate on a case-by-case basis, determining if bridging courses, remedial training, or other measures are necessary to meet professional standards.

Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, informed the House that while Dr. Mukalazi had previously lost a court case against the NCHE, the ministry had intervened to facilitate a resolution. He confirmed that an investigation is underway, and the ministry continues to support the process. Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth acknowledged the court’s prior ruling but urged the minister to expedite the ongoing review and report back to Parliament.