Summary:
- The University explained that its academic program review is a comprehensive process, involving consultations at various levels, including departmental and stakeholder meetings, reviews at the school and college level, and assessments by the Senate, Senate Committees, Quality Assurance Committee, and University Council.
KAMPALA: Lawmakers have criticized the top management at Makerere University for delays in reviewing the university’s courses, following an audit that revealed 198 “expired courses” were still being taught to students.
The Auditor General’s report highlighted that out of the 347 active courses at the university, only 149 had been fully accredited or reviewed, while 198 were pending review or accreditation, affecting both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The University explained that its academic program review is a comprehensive process, involving consultations at various levels, including departmental and stakeholder meetings, reviews at the school and college level, and assessments by the Senate, Senate Committees, Quality Assurance Committee, and University Council.
“The failure to review and accredit courses on time affects the University’s ranking. Graduates from these programs may face challenges when seeking admission to other institutions, both locally and internationally,” stated Muwanga Kivumbi, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Concerns were also raised about overcrowding in Makerere’s library. The Auditor General revealed that more than six students are crammed into spaces meant for just one, according to university quality standards. To meet the minimum required space, the university needs an additional 66,815 square meters.
“The standard requirement is 2.5 square meters per student, but currently the University has only 11,065 square meters of library space for 27,865 students, resulting in a ratio of 2.7 square meters per student. This congestion in both lecture rooms and the library affects service delivery and educational capacity,” Kivumbi remarked.
He urged the university administration to engage relevant stakeholders to address the space issue and ensure quality education delivery.
In response, the University Administration acknowledged the audit findings, stating that they would implement shifts to reduce congestion. They also plan to engage the Ministry of Finance for additional funding to secure more space for the growing student population.
Parliament was also informed of the risk that Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute in Kabanyolo (MUARIK) might lose 650 acres of land, valued at 325 billion shillings, due to encroachment. One individual has already constructed a private school on part of the land.
MPs further expressed concern over the low staffing levels at the Institute, where only 37 out of 235 positions are filled, leaving 83% of posts vacant. The Auditor General’s report noted that part of the university’s land has already been encroached upon, and the administration is currently engaged in a court battle to reclaim the land. A wall between MUARIK and Kabanyolo North is urgently needed to prevent theft of farm produce, but funding constraints have hindered fencing efforts.
“The mismanagement of land at public universities poses a significant risk. In Kabanyolo, each acre is worth about 500 million shillings, and with 650 acres at risk of encroachment, this land must be secured. Government should allocate funds to ensure that the land is fenced off and protected,” urged Kivumbi.
Regarding staffing issues, the university acknowledged receiving a request to urgently recruit personnel for key roles, including Assistant Farm Managers for livestock and crops, a Training Coordinator, a Secretary, and at least 15 additional security guards.
Kivumbi warned that the current low staffing levels could lead to work overload, reduced productivity, and other management challenges due to the reliance on temporary employees.
Additionally, Parliament has called on Makerere University to recover 127 million shillings paid to a contract staff member who absconded from duty at the College of Computing and ICT.
“Delays in removing staff from the payroll result in payments for services not rendered, causing financial losses to the government. The accounting officer must recover the funds within six months of this report’s adoption,” Kivumbi stated.
