The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has declared that 1,129 students at Kyambogo University are being taught at illegal, unrecognized centres, casting uncertainty over their academic futures.

The NCHE identified the unauthorized centres as Bushenyi and Soroti campuses, the former Kamurasi Primary Teachers’ College (PTC) in Masindi, the former Kabwangasi PTC in Butebo, and the former Bukedea PTC in Bukedea.

In a notice dated July 2, 2024, to Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya the vice chancellor of Kyambogo University, NCHE stated that the continued operation of these centres violates the law but Prof. Katunguka argues that the NCHE lacks the authority to prevent institutions from establishing learning centres.

However, Section 25 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (UOTIA) requires tertiary institutions to obtain NCHE approval before creating new learning centres, a step Kyambogo University has not taken.

As a result, the courses taught at these centres are considered illegal, and the NCHE does not recognize the academic qualifications awarded to the graduates for employment or further studies.

“The location of a public university established under UOTIA shall be as provided in the instrument establishing it; however, that university may, with the prior approval of NCHE, establish a branch or a campus of the university in any other part of Uganda,” reads part of the letter.

“We wish to remind you that NCHE does not recognize qualifications tenable from unapproved centres or campuses. The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to further require Kyambogo University to close the said illegal centres and campuses and any other unapproved campuses that could be operating with immediate effect,” the letter continued.

Background

The controversy over the learning centres dates back to 2018 when Kyambogo University began operating the Soroti and Bushenyi campuses. Prof. Katunguka and the university staff have been at odds over the establishment of upcountry study centres.

In a petition to the Inspectorate of Government, staff members questioned the university’s move, arguing that it lacked approval from both the University Council and the NCHE as required by law.