An alumnus of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has threatened to sue the university over the reappointment of Professor Kaziba Abdul Mpaata as Vice Rector for Finance and Administration, arguing that the decision was unlawful. Through JByamukama & Co. Advocates, the alumnus, Abdul Nasser Kyagulanyi, has given the IUIU University Council 14 days to rescind Mpaata’s reappointment or face proceedings in the High Court of Uganda.
In a September 10, 2026 letter addressed to the Chairperson of the IUIU University Council, Prof. Dr Mohammad A.S.A. Altabtabaei, the lawyers argue that Mpaata’s reappointment to a fourth consecutive term violates the Islamic University in Uganda Act. The lawyers cite Section 24 of the Act, which provides for a five-year term for the Vice Rector, renewable, and argue that the provision does not contemplate indefinite tenure.
“Our instructions are that the Council, under your chairmanship, re-appointed Professor Mpaata for a fourth consecutive term. The re-appointment is unlawful on at least three grounds,” the lawyers state. They argue that Mpaata has already served more than 15 years in the position, having completed three five-year terms, and that another term defeats the purpose of periodic accountability and institutional renewal.
The lawyers have also questioned Mpaata’s eligibility because he is allegedly a full-time member of staff at Busitema University, a public university. According to the lawyers, the Vice Rector for Finance and Administration is a full-time executive position responsible for the university’s finances, human resources and administration, making it incompatible with holding another full-time public university position.
They further argue that the arrangement could raise questions of conflict of interest and double remuneration from public resources. The lawyers also raise concerns over Mpaata’s continued occupation of the office while an ad hoc committee constituted by the University Council is investigating audit queries relating to him. They argue that because Mpaata remains in control of records, systems and staff that could be relevant to the investigation, the credibility of the inquiry could be compromised.
However, the lawyers clarified that their client was not taking a position on the merits of the audit queries, saying his concern was the integrity of the process and the legality of the reappointment. The lawyers have demanded that the University Council rescind Mpaata’s reappointment, direct him to step aside pending the lawful filling of the position, and designate another suitably qualified officer to act.
They have also demanded copies of the Council resolutions and minutes relating to Mpaata’s appointment and subsequent reappointments, his current instrument of appointment, as well as details of the ad hoc committee investigating the audit queries. The lawyers have given the University Council 14 days to confirm the steps taken to address the concerns.
Failure to comply, they said, would result in their client filing a suit in the High Court against IUIU, the University Council, the Council Chairperson in his official capacity and Professor Mpaata. The letter was copied to the Minister of Education and Sports, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the IUIU University Council, the National Council for Higher Education, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, the Rector of IUIU and Professor Mpaata-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
