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The academic registrar of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Dr Halima Wakabi Akbar, is facing serious allegations following a degree fraud scandal that has shaken the institution.
Sources indicate that the controversy dates back to a graduation ceremony two years ago, where a number of unqualified individuals were wrongly included on the graduation list. The issue was only recently uncovered by the university’s management.
“The academic registrar has come under scrutiny for issuing fake degrees to at least two individuals,” one source revealed.
Among those implicated is a government official currently serving in Mbale, though no further details have been disclosed. Rehema Katono, the university's public relations officer, confirmed that the university launched an investigation upon the emergence of these allegations.
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The rector responded by forming an academic affairs committee to look into the matter, and its findings reportedly pointed to the academic registrar's involvement.
Calls for the Registrar's Resignation
The committee has recommended that Dr Wakabi vacates her position, with a formal letter having been issued by the rector. However, Katono added that a meeting of the university’s executive board is scheduled for Thursday to decide on the next steps.
“The registrar has been temporarily removed from her role, and discussions are underway to move her to the institutional planning department, but this decision is still pending approval from the appointments committee,” Katono explained.
Although there has been speculation that the two students involved may have their degrees revoked, Katono clarified that no decision had been made yet. “The individuals will be given a fair hearing before any final action is taken,” she said.
Internal Struggles and Broader Implications
Dr Wakabi, the first woman to hold the position of academic registrar at IUIU, has received praise for her previous efforts to reform and improve academic services at the university.
However, some staff members have raised concerns that the scandal may be rooted in internal power struggles or a deliberate attempt to target the registrar. These claims have yet to be substantiated.
Degree fraud scandals are unfortunately not new to Uganda’s higher education system, with other institutions, such as Makerere University and Kyambogo University, facing similar issues in recent years. As investigations continue, the outcome of the executive board meeting will likely shape the future of Dr Wakabi’s position at IUIU.