Court petitioned to compel MUK disclose its admission policy
Nov 16, 2016
The EC in support of Kato Lubwama, indicated that he had obtained admission through the Special University Entrance Examinations for Diploma Programmes in 1992
The man querying the academic papers of Lubaga South MP, Kato Lubwama, has petitioned court to compel Makerere University to disclose its Special University Entrance Examinations policies both before and after 1998.
On November 2nd, Habib Buwembo filed an application for access to information at the Chief Magistrate's Court, Mengo. Court is scheduled to hear the case on November 17th.
Though Centre for Legal Aid, he purports that the university declined to avail him such information. He wants court to restrain the institution from concealing such information, and to grant him immediate access to the desired information.
Buwembo asserts that in a letter dated October 5, 2015, submitted to the Electoral Commission (EC) in support of Lubwama, indicated that he had obtained admission through the Special University Entrance Examinations for Diploma Programmes in 1992.
The letter further stated that there had been a change of policy regarding this avenue in 1998.
Buwembo says on September 16, he formally, in writing, requested for several records in Makerere's possession regarding Kato's academic documents, and the policies of admission.
Habib Buwembo is challenging Lubwama's academic papers. Photo by Meddie Musisi
He maintains that management declined to avail the information within the statutory period of 21 days after the receipt of the request form.
Buwembo claims the institution, contravened its duty as a public body, and ignored an additional request to act, as indicated in a letter dated October 20th, 2016.
He asserts that the disclosure would empower the element of a good citizen to act in public interest, and save the taxpayer by availing court material evidence.
"By refusing to divulge the information requested for, the respondent (Makerere) has not only prevented the applicant from empowering the public effectively to become aware of and critically scrutinise the academic policies of the respondent," the petition states.
The university is yet to respond to file its response.