Busoga University in Iganga is conducting lectures despite having its license revoked in 2017 by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The university lost its license due to concerns about unqualified staff, unaccredited courses, and the awarding of fake degrees. However, the university claims it was never officially closed and that the revocation of its license does not prevent it from teaching students.
It should be noted that, the NCHE revoked Busoga University’s licence in 2017, but the institution continued operating and even had students attending classes as recently as September 20, 2024. The university argues that the NCHE has the authority to revoke a license, but not to close a university.
They claim the term “university closure” is not present in the relevant Ugandan law (Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act). Adding complexity to the situation, President Museveni directed the Ugandan government to take over the university in 2018. The goal was to reopen Busoga University as a public institution.
This directive has been interpreted by some, including a source within the university, as evidence that the institution was never officially closed. They argue that President Museveni would not have ordered a government takeover if the university was truly closed.
Despite these claims, several figures have spoken against the university’s continued operation. Patrick Kayemba, a former member of the Busoga University transition committee, warned parents against sending their children to the university.
He believes a group is attempting to mislead the public by illegally conducting classes. Similarly, Dr. Frank Nabwiso, former Vice Chancellor of Busoga University, stated that the government’s lack of intervention, specifically the absence of police intervention, has allowed the university to continue its operations.
He also revealed that the NCHE’s request for a list of continuing students in 2018, likely for the purpose of transferring them to other universities, was refused by the university management. The future of Busoga University and its students remains uncertain.
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The Ministry of Education has appointed a task force to facilitate the university’s reopening as a public institution, but a firm timeline is not yet established. As it stands, Busoga University continues to operate in a legal grey area, raising questions about the validity of the degrees it awards and the future of its current students.
