Management of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals in Uganda has disputed claims that over 300 students are implicated in alleged fee-payment fraud at the institution. Instead, the institute's records point to about 80 students connected to the suspected financial irregularities. The institute's owner, Dr. Lubega Muhammad, stated that the institution estimates the suspected scheme may have caused losses of approximately Shs180 million, differing significantly from the parliamentary figure.
The dispute began when Hon. John Musila, the Member of Parliament for Bubulo East County, alleged that over 300 students, including finalists, were affected by fee-payment irregularities at the Iganga-based institution. Musila claimed that some students paid fees through an agent associated with the school, received clearance from the accounts office, but were later accused of defrauding the institution. This triggered a dispute between the legislator and the institute management over the number of students involved and the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial losses.
Dr. Lubega expressed concern about what he described as inaccurate information presented in Parliament regarding the alleged fraud. He condemned the decision by the Honourable Member to make allegations that, according to the institute's records, are inaccurate. Dr. Lubega emphasized that public officials have a responsibility to establish facts before making serious allegations that could damage the reputation of individuals, businesses, or educational institutions.
The institute has called on Musila to engage its administrators and relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the disputed payments and determine how the alleged losses occurred. Dr. Lubega stated that the institute is prepared to use appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms if false information continues to be circulated. The institute has begun efforts to recover money lost through the suspected fraud by engaging parents of students implicated in discussions.
In another development, institute administrators alleged that Hon. Musila's daughter, a student at the institution, is among those implicated in the suspected financial irregularities, with an alleged loss of approximately Shs2 million. However, this allegation has not been established by a court, and no finding of criminal liability has been made against her. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Police are investigating allegations including suspected forgery, uttering forged documents, obtaining money by false pretences, and impersonation in connection with the disputed payments. Investigators aim to establish whether payment documents were genuine, whether students made the payments claimed, and whether any individuals unlawfully obtained or diverted funds. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for students approaching completion of their nursing and health-professional programs.
The disagreement over the number of students involved and the alleged financial loss remains unresolved. While the parliamentary account referred to over 300 students, Lubega Institute says its internal records identify approximately 80 students allegedly connected to the suspected fraud, with estimated losses of Shs180 million. These figures will ultimately have to be tested against institutional records, payment documentation, and evidence gathered by investigators.
Key points
- The Lubega Institute disputes the claim of 300 students implicated in the alleged fee-payment fraud, citing 80 students and Shs180m in losses.
- The institute's management and Hon. John Musila have a disagreement over the number of students involved and the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial losses.
- Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and recover any funds obtained through fraudulent means.
