The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar, the Academic Registrar of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), is facing scrutiny over alleged involvement in a phony degree scandal that has rocked the institution. Sources have informed Uganda Radio Network (URN) that the issue stems from the graduation about two years ago, during which some unqualified individuals were irregularly included on the list of graduates—a matter later uncovered by the university management.
“IUIU Academic Registrar is on the spot for issuing fake degrees to some people. The scandal so far involves two people,” the source noted. Available information indicates that one of the individuals alleged to have benefited from the irregularity is a government official currently serving in Mbale.
Rehema Katono, the public relations officer of the university, confirmed that an investigation was launched into a suspected degree fraud scandal after the allegations emerged.
She explained that the university rector established an Academic Affairs Committee to probe the issue, and the committee’s findings later implicated the Academic Registrar.
“One of the committee’s key recommendations was that the Academic Registrar vacate the office. The rector has since written a letter to that effect. However, a top-level management meeting of the executive board is scheduled for Thursday this week to determine the next course of action,” Katono said.
Katono further stated that the registrar has been temporarily transferred from her position, with discussions underway about redeploying her to the Institutional Planning Department. However, this move still requires approval by the Appointments Committee, which has yet to convene. “Most of the issues will be clarified after the upcoming management and executive board meetings. A formal statement will be issued following those deliberations,” Katono stated.
Regarding the two students alleged to have received degrees irregularly, Katono noted that, although there has been speculation about the revocation of their degrees, no final decision has been made. “The individuals are expected to be given a fair hearing before any conclusive action is taken,” she added.
Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar made history as the first female to serve as IUIU’s Academic Registrar. She also previously served as Director of the IUIU Female Campus in Kabojja from 2009.
During her tenure, she is credited with spearheading several reforms and improving academic services at the campus.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, some university staff members have voiced concerns that the situation may be rooted in an internal power struggle or a targeted witch hunt against the registrar. These claims remain unverified, as most sources have declined to speak on the record.
Uganda Radio Network (URN) made several attempts to contact the implicated individuals. However, the registrar had not returned repeated calls by the time of publication, while one of the graduates involved had initially agreed to an interview but had not followed through.
Makerere University similarly faced a major scandal in 2015 when over 600 students were suspected of graduating with altered exam results despite failing their courses.
Similarly, in 2022, Kyambogo University was embroiled in an attempt to manipulate student marks via the student portal, with assistance from some university officials. Discrepancies were uncovered during a thorough review by department heads when the original paper records did not match the online data. This led to the removal of the affected students from the graduation list and the arrest of implicated staff members from the university’s ICT department.
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URN
As an alumnus of IUIU, I can attest to Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar’s exceptional dedication and integrity. Her more than 20 years of service to IUIU are a testament to this. It is regrettable that certain individuals, seemingly motivated by ulterior agendas, are attempting to tarnish her reputation. My assessment of the PRO, Rehma Katono (or Kantono), suggests a biased perspective. As a public relations officer, upholding IUIU’s image should be paramount. Instead, the release of unsubstantiated allegations to the press raises serious concerns. Is this behavior driven by personal animosity? The accusation of Dr. Halima issuing fraudulent degrees lacks credibility and if so it is plausible that the issue originates within various departments, from faculty to other offices the article has failed to mention!
“Fake degrees,” seriously! Both students finished their studies! It’s not like they were given fake grades and degrees; if that were true, Dr. Halima wouldn’t still be on campus! The mistake was in the administration, from the faculty to various offices, including the Academic Registrar’s office! But they made Dr. Halima the scapegoat because it’s her department. This article leaves out so much! It almost seems like they were out to get her! Those in the know know the real story! Dr. Halima, as a colleague, I salute your dedication. You’ve given so much to the institution, and to those trying to ruin your name, God sees all and will act. Their day will come.