Lawyers fault Makerere over admissions

Aug 19, 2014

THE lawyers representing a student who dragged Makerere University to court over denying him admission to study law insist that the University is at fault

By Edward Anyoli

THE lawyers representing a student who dragged Makerere University to court over denying him admission to study law insist that the University is at fault.

John Musime and Oscar Kihika on Tuesday argued that Public University Joint Admission Board does not exist in law therefore Makerere should not use it as an excuse to deny Johney Manzi Murungi a chance to pursue a course he desires.

The lawyers told High Court presided over by Justice Yasin Nyanzi that if Public University Joint Admission was a requirement, Makerere University should have indicated  in  letters  inviting applications from  those intending  to join the University.

Musime said Makerere is illegally refusing to admit Manzi without basing itself on a given law and violating his rights to education.

Manzi filed his application for Judicial Review through Byenkya, Kihika and Company. He wants court order Makerere to admit him as a government sponsored student and also award him monetary damages for injury he has suffered as a result of   the suit.

“My lord as the facts will show Public University Admission (PUJAB) has nothing at all to do with pre- entry examinations or admission,” Musime said.

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Former student of Naalya Senior Secondary School Johney Manzi (left), his father John Baptist Byaruhanga (centre) mother Mary Tusabe (second left) and Timothy Byekwaso, after the submission by his lawyers at Tweed Towers. Photo by Kennedy Oryema

“Isat for pre-entry examination and scored 63% thereby emerging the 36th best performing candidate at the sitting,” Manzi said.

On the   issue that Manzi sued a wrong party, Musime argued that Makerere University   is a corporate sole with ability to sue and be sued.

Musime said Makerere bears the responsibility because it invited applications, set examinations and accepted payments from 1500 students seeking to study law.

Makerere University lawyer represented by Kateera Kagumire and Company Advocates will respond to the issue raised by Manzi’s lawyers on Wednesday. 

Manzi who is 19- years old was accompanied to court by his father John Baptist Byaruhanga.

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