Makerere University hasn’t diverted Internet money
Oct 28, 2007
EDITOR—On October 23, you published an article entitled, “MUK diverts Internet moneyâ€. Makerere University management has not and is not considering diverting any money meant for Internet services to construct or repair its roads as alleged in the article.
EDITOR—On October 23, you published an article entitled, “MUK diverts Internet moneyâ€. Makerere University management has not and is not considering diverting any money meant for Internet services to construct or repair its roads as alleged in the article.
The reporter did not talk to the University Secretary as alleged. He did not even consult the Public Relations Office to verify the information. This is the true position: Despite our current financial crisis, Makerere considers the Internet a priority.
As of now, the university has paid sh120m to utl and is sourcing funds to clear the balance of sh136m owed to the company. An additional $29,000 has been paid to the African Virtual University (AVU) and the balance of $18,000 is yet to be cleared.
The university is concerned about the current situation and consultations are being made to have these bills cleared and the Internet restored. About the roads, it is true Makerere needs sh1.4b to overhaul its road network which is in a dilapidated state.
Sh300m had been earlier earmarked from the Capital Development Account to construct or repair a section of the road network, and this money had nothing to do with money meant for the Internet and other utilities. The Eastern Builders has agreed to undertake the construction in phases beginning with the available money. We appeal to the media to report professionally.
Gilbert Kadilo
Senior Public Relations Officer
The reporter did not talk to the University Secretary as alleged. He did not even consult the Public Relations Office to verify the information. This is the true position: Despite our current financial crisis, Makerere considers the Internet a priority.
As of now, the university has paid sh120m to utl and is sourcing funds to clear the balance of sh136m owed to the company. An additional $29,000 has been paid to the African Virtual University (AVU) and the balance of $18,000 is yet to be cleared.
The university is concerned about the current situation and consultations are being made to have these bills cleared and the Internet restored. About the roads, it is true Makerere needs sh1.4b to overhaul its road network which is in a dilapidated state.
Sh300m had been earlier earmarked from the Capital Development Account to construct or repair a section of the road network, and this money had nothing to do with money meant for the Internet and other utilities. The Eastern Builders has agreed to undertake the construction in phases beginning with the available money. We appeal to the media to report professionally.
Gilbert Kadilo
Senior Public Relations Officer