KIU speaks out on degree awards

The Vice chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), Mouhamad Mpezamihigo has assured the general public that the university awards genuine degrees as their graduates have been employed in the private sector and security agencies in the country.

"Our graduates occupy executive positions in the private sector and security institutions," Mpezamihigo told journalists.

This was during the interface with the journalists on Friday in Kampala after media reports alleged that the government was probing degrees of Kampala International University.

"Our credibility is unquestionable as admission guidelines are strict using biometric registration system for students," the vice chancellor said.

According to media reports the employers are giving graduates from KIU a hard time questioning their competence and the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) has swung into action to investigate some of the courses being taught at the university.

The alleged probe comes after reports that the university is teaching programmes that are not recognised.

"But KIU courses are being investigated. We got information and we have to find out the truth before any action is taken," the publication quotes one of NCHE officials to have said.

The media reports also say that two months ago engineering students held a demonstration demanding an explanation from the management why they were offered unaccredited programmes.

Mpezamihigo told journalists that allegations by the publication tarnished the university's image and forced the management to write a letter to NCHE on September 26, seeking clarification on whether the university is being probed.

"The purpose of this letter therefore, is to seek clarification about the comments quoted from you that indeed NCHE is conducting a probe into KIU degrees," Mpezamihigo letter reads in part.

"As an institution we seek to know whether indeed NCHE is probing KIU degrees. On our part we are not aware of the so-called probe. We seek your urgent and timely response and clarification to our concern."

When contacted the undersecretary in the ministry of education, Aggrey Kibenge said: "I don't know. You ask NCHE it's within their power and they have been following it."

NCHE writes to KIU

In response to KIU letter about the alleged probe, Dr Alex Kaguma notes that the degrees of the university were not being probed.

"The purpose of this communication is to categorically state that National Council for Higher Education did not state that the degrees of Kampala International University were being probed by the Government of Uganda or National Council of Higher education," Dr Kagume's letter states in part.

"The Council regrets any inconveniences that have been occasioned to your institution as a result of this publication," he adds in his letter dated September 27.  

The vice chancellor who was flanked by Dr Janice Desire Busingye the deputy vice chancellor finance and administration and Prof. George William Nasinyama the deputy vice chancellor research, innovation and extension said the university was operating well.

"There is no way that we lack continuity compared to the struggling universities," Mpezamihigo said.