Civil rights lawyer Isaac Kwagala and Aaron Oguttu, a teacher and alumni of Makerere University, have submitted a petition to the office of the university's academic registrar over what they call irregularities in the convocation polls that happened last year.

Kwagala says they have, therefore, proposed a move to pass a vote of no confidence against convocation chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi, vice-chairperson Hope Nyago, publicity secretary Dr Deus Muhwezi Kamunyu and treasurer Justus Nuwajuna and all the members of the executive committee.

He adds that the petition is also aimed at restoring confidence and dignity to the affairs of the Makerere University Convocation.

Oguttu accuses Tanga of failing to convene three annual general meetings and spending funds without approval, something he says is illegal.

(L-R) Isaac Kwagala, Civil Rights Lawyer, and Aaron Oguttu, teacher and alumni of Makerere University display a notice to move a vote of no confidence against Dr Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the Makerere University convocation, and the entire executive members of the committee, to nullify the elections on Monday, January 16, 2023.

As Makerere University Convocation headed by Tanga prepares to hold a meeting on January 28, 2023, Kwagala faults convocation leadership of failing to disclose its agenda.

"We disagree with the schemes and his association to usurp the powers of the general assembly as it violates the constitution of the convocation,” he said.

Recommendations of the petition

The petitioners, who handed in their petition on January 16, 2023, call for an urgent general meeting to consider passing a vote of no confidence against Tanga and his executive, a resolution requesting the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit and Parliament's public accounts committee conducts an inquiry.

Tanga speaks out

In response, Tanga Odoi said they will hand over to the new executive when the right time comes.

"Anyone who wants to investigate is free,” he said

"The narrative is that we have a lot of money, is it because we built the wall?” he said.

"We get about sh 28m  in a year, sometimes sh40m from student contributions. They will not even find sh 500m in the last four years,” he said.

“Whatever we have spent, we have accountability,” Tanga said when asked if he was ready to provide accountability:

Aaron Oguttu, teacher and alumni of Makerere University (right) speaking to journalists shortly after filing a notice to move a vote of no confidence against Dr Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the Makerere University convocation and the entire executive members of the committee

“They can even go to the bursar and university secretary who will give them a narrative.”

On December 30, 2022, the Makerere University convocation invited alumni to an election exercise that was marred with chaos when the Military Police and Uganda Police Force officers stormed the Yusuf Lule teaching facility auditorium and arrested more than four alumni who were dragged out and detained.

 

Consequently, strong opposing contenders such as former guild president Gerald Karuhanga, TV show host Charles Odongotho and more than 10 contestants for various positions unceremoniously withdrew their candidature citing voter register manipulation and a violent election process.

Dr George Turyamureeba Mugabi was declared the winner after trouncing his only contender Otim Lynd Tom.