Makerere University Under Fire in Parliament Over Shs13 Billion Unpaid Fees and Financial Queries

Makerere University has revealed that it is withholding academic transcripts from graduates over an accumulation of Shs13 billion in unpaid tuition fees. University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda defended the institution’s position before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, explaining that recovering these funds is essential for the operational continuity of the university.

However, members of Parliament questioned the legality and practicality of the move, noting that withholding these vital documents prevents former students from securing employment and earning the income needed to clear their debts.

The parliamentary session, chaired by Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, delved deeply into broader financial accountability and compliance issues. Lawmakers grilled management over approximately Shs200 billion that remained unspent at the close of the financial year, questioning why the money was not remitted back to the Consolidated Fund as stipulated by the Public Finance Management Act. University officials struggled to explain the discrepancy, citing ongoing commitments.

The inquiry took a dramatic turn when the committee noted the absence of a proper institutional work plan. In response, Committee Chairperson Nsamba ordered that the university planner be handed over to Parliament’s Criminal Investigations Department until the required documentation was submitted.

MPs also raised concerns regarding academic standards, pointing to seven accredited university programmes that attracted zero students during admissions, as well as a postgraduate course that allegedly exceeded its approved enrolment limit by 337 students without NCHE renewal.

Furthermore, the committee interrogated management regarding restrictions on student gatherings at Freedom Square and the handling of sexual harassment allegations on campus. While officials maintained that several staff members had been dismissed over harassment and that policies at Freedom Square helped curb violent strikes, scrutiny on the Ivory Tower’s administrative practices remains high.

For more details, read the original report on Nile Post.