Makerere University, Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning, is facing scrutiny after reports emerged that Quiin Abenakyo, former Miss Uganda and Miss World Africa 2018, was awarded a degree under questionable circumstances.
Abenakyo, who pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Computing, graduated on January 18, 2019, with the full endorsement of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
However, new evidence suggests that her graduation did not meet the university’s academic requirements, raising concerns over special treatment and possible academic fraud.
The Unresolved Retake
Documents from Makerere University’s Academic Registrar’s office indicate that Abenakyo had a pending retake in Financial Management, a course she was required to complete before being cleared for graduation.
The retake was scheduled for September 1, 2018, at a time when she was representing Uganda at the Miss World competition in China.
Under normal circumstances, students who fail a course must retake it during the designated exam period.
However, sources allege that a special examination was secretly arranged for Abenakyo, allowing her to bypass this requirement.
This raises serious concerns about academic integrity at the institution, as Makerere University policy does not allow individual students to take exams outside the scheduled calendar unless under exceptional circumstances approved by the Senate.
Did University Officials Intervene?
The involvement of top university officials in Abenakyo’s graduation remains a major point of contention.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, personally endorsed her degree, despite the alleged irregularities.
This has led to speculation that her celebrity status may have influenced academic decisions in her favor.
“This is not just about one student. It’s about the credibility of Makerere University as an institution,” said an anonymous academic staff member.
“If the university bends its rules for high-profile individuals, what does that say about our standards?”
Public Outcry and Calls for Investigation
The revelations have sparked public outrage, with many Ugandans questioning whether privileged individuals receive preferential treatment at the institution while ordinary students face strict academic scrutiny.
Several students have expressed frustration, citing cases where they were forced to delay their graduation due to minor administrative or academic setbacks.
The controversy has also ignited debates on social media, with many calling for an independent investigation into the matter.
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has been urged to intervene and ensure accountability in the university’s academic processes.
Makerere University Responds
In response to the allegations, Makerere University has issued a brief statement, denying any wrongdoing.
“All degrees awarded by Makerere University go through rigorous academic scrutiny and approval processes,” the statement read.
However, the university has not directly addressed the issue of the special examination or whether standard procedures were followed in Abenakyo’s case.
As pressure mounts, the university administration may be forced to provide further clarifications.
If the allegations are proven true, it could set a troubling precedent and potentially lead to disciplinary actions against those involved.
For now, Makerere University finds itself in the spotlight once again—not for academic excellence, but for yet another scandal that threatens to undermine its reputation.
