education 7 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Kyambogo University Under Fire for Awarding Incorrect Diplomas
The State Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has directed the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to investigate Kyambogo University for admitting government-sponsored students to unaccredited courses and issuing them diplomas for programs they never applied for. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4529/kyambogo-university-spotlight-awarding-wrong-certificates
Parliament is demanding accountability from Kyambogo University following revelations that government-sponsored students were awarded incorrect diploma certificates.
Students admitted in 2017 for a Diploma in Physical Education and Sports Management reportedly received certificates for Sports Management instead, a course they did not apply for and which was allegedly unaccredited.
Responding to the students’ petition, the State Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has called for an urgent investigation by the NCHE. “The issues raised are serious. They concern the integrity of academic awards, the protection of students, the proper use of public funds, and adherence to minimum admission standards,” Ogwang stated.
He emphasized that any resolution must be lawful and aligned with existing quality assurance frameworks, noting that accreditation cannot be applied retrospectively. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kedrace Turyagyenda, requested Parliament to allow the NCHE to conclude its findings.
Kyambogo University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka, failed to appear before the parliamentary committee, sending junior officers instead, which the committee rejected. “Refusal to appear before the committee is undermining public trust,” remarked Hon. Judith Nagujja, highlighting the stigma and wasted time the students have endured.
Members of Parliament expressed dismay at the university’s handling of the situation. “It is criminal for the university to award students certificates for courses they did not apply for,” said Hon. Rufina Cheutich. Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho criticized the university’s inaction, noting the mistake should have been rectified much earlier.
Further compounding the issue, the university reportedly failed to respond to multiple inquiries from both the affected students and the NCHE, including a letter from October 2025 and a reminder in June 2026.