Kampala University, once a beacon of academic excellence in Uganda, is reportedly on the brink of collapse due to internal mismanagement and family disputes involving its founder, Professor Badru Ddungu Kateregga.
The institution, which has been pivotal in shaping Uganda’s higher education landscape, is now grappling with a series of controversies that threaten its stability and reputation.
Leadership struggles and questionable decisions
Reports indicate that Prof. Kateregga’s leadership has been marred by a failure to adhere to academic and administrative standards. Allegations of degrees being awarded without due process and non-compliance with regulatory standards have raised concerns about the institution’s credibility. Although issues of academic ethical standards had been kept under wraps revelations that the institution was awarding some of the foreign students’ degrees and other qualifications with the necessary documents or corresponding levels has surfaced with fingers pointing at Sudanese, Somalis among others in the region.
The situation has been exacerbated by the professor’s decision to bring his estranged older children, who have minimal experience in academic administration, into key management roles. Most of these children had been living abroad, engaged in odd jobs, raising doubts about their ability to manage the institution effectively. This move came at the expense of his wife, who had managed the university’s finances and marketing for over 15 years, a period marked by steady growth and stability.
Personal disputes spilling into public
The family disputes have not only strained internal operations but have also spilled into the public domain. Social media platforms have become a battleground for character attacks, with Prof. Kateregga allegedly targeting his wife, with whom he shares three children, including twins. The public airing of these personal grievances has further tarnished the university’s image, raising questions about the leadership’s professionalism.
Workers at the Kasanga based university have also demanded as to why they aren’t issued with work contracts
“We have no contracts for ourselves, there is late payment of salary and sometimes we take time without pay. Prof. Kateregga prefers keeping us as part time as opposed to permanent, however, with the latest trend of events, the university will close” a lecturer said.
Some of the university staff say the institution should be run by an independent body or person rather than family and in the event that children fall out with the father (Kateregga), who will administer given that it is a family affair?
Allegations of misconduct
In addition to management issues, allegations of personal misconduct against Prof. Kateregga have surfaced. Reports suggest that he has abandoned his current wife and children, failing to provide for them. Furthermore, accusations of inappropriate relationships with young female students have emerged, including claims that he is cohabiting with a 24-year-old former student. Such behavior has alarmed parents and stakeholders, undermining trust in the institution.
Abrupt changes and emotional decisions
Prof. Kateregga’s leadership style has also come under scrutiny for abrupt and emotionally driven management changes. This erratic decision-making has contributed to instability within the institution, leaving staff and students uncertain about the university’s future.
Troubled future
Kampala University’s current predicament highlights the challenges of mixing family dynamics with institutional governance. Stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to restore stability and rebuild the university’s reputation. Failure to address these issues could see the once-respected institution fall further into decline.
As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on Prof. Kateregga to take decisive and transparent steps to save Kampala University from collapse.
