IUIU DOUBLE-JOB STORM! Lawyers Threaten Court Over Finance Boss Prof Mpaata Reappointment While Still at Busitema, Faces Audit Probe
KAMPALA – A legal storm is brewing at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) after lawyers threatened to drag the university and its leadership to the High Court over the reappointment of Professor Kaziba Abdul Mpaata as Vice Rector in charge of Finance and Administration.
The lawyers, Byamukama & Co. Advocates, have issued a 14-day notice demanding that IUIU rescind Prof Mpaata’s reappointment, arguing that the decision was unlawful and procedurally improper.
The notice, dated September 10, 2026, was addressed to the Chairperson of the IUIU University Council, Prof Dr Mohammad A.S.E.A. Altabtabaei, on behalf of Kyagulanyi Abdul Nasser, an IUIU alumnus.
The lawyers warn that if the university fails to act within the 14 days, their client has instructed them to institute proceedings in the High Court of Uganda against the university, its Council and Prof Mpaata.
BUSITEMA JOB AT CENTRE OF STORM
At the centre of the legal challenge is an allegation that Prof Mpaata is a full-time staff member of Busitema University, a public university, while simultaneously holding the IUIU Vice Rector position as a full-time executive office.
According to the lawyers, Prof Mpaata was a full-time member of staff at Busitema University both when he was reappointed at IUIU and at the time of the September 10 notice.
The lawyers argue that the nature of the IUIU Vice Rector position makes it impossible to faithfully discharge two full-time offices simultaneously.
They further contend that the arrangement raises questions under the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, particularly provisions restricting public officers from taking up other employment without the required authority.
The lawyers say the situation also raises potential conflict-of-interest and double-remuneration concerns involving public resources.
They argue that the IUIU Council failed to consider the issue before reappointing Prof Mpaata and continuing to pay him.
FIVE-YEAR TERM LIMIT
The legal notice also challenges the length of Prof Mpaata’s tenure.
The lawyers cite Section 24(3) of the Islamic University in Uganda Act, which provides for a five-year term for the Vice Rector, renewable for another five years.
They contend that Prof Mpaata has occupied the office continuously for more than five years and that the latest reappointment amounts to his fourth consecutive term.
According to the lawyers, the statutory provision contemplates a fixed renewable term rather than indefinite or perpetual tenure.
They argue that a fourth reappointment defeats the purpose of the statutory limit and amounts to an arrangement that is “ultra vires” the Act.
AUDIT QUESTIONS TOO
The lawyers have also raised the issue of an ad hoc committee constituted by the IUIU Council to investigate audit queries relating to Prof Mpaata.
The notice argues that Prof Mpaata remains in office and continues to exercise control over the records, systems and staff that are allegedly the subject of the inquiry or could be potential witnesses.
The lawyers contend that an investigation cannot be credible, or be seen to be credible, in such circumstances.
They argue that principles of good governance and natural justice require an officer whose stewardship is under investigation to step aside until the inquiry is concluded.
Importantly, the lawyers state that their client is not taking a position on the merits of the audit queries, saying their concern is the integrity of the process and legality of the appointment.
14-DAY ULTIMATUM
The lawyers have given the IUIU Council 14 days to take action.
Among their demands is that the Council convene and rescind Prof Mpaata’s reappointment as Vice Rector (Finance and Administration) in accordance with the IUIU Act.
They also want Prof Mpaata directed to step aside from office immediately, with a suitably qualified officer appointed to act until the position is lawfully filled.
The lawyers have further demanded copies of the Council resolutions and minutes through which Prof Mpaata was initially appointed and subsequently reappointed, together with his current appointment instrument, terms of reference, composition of the ad hoc committee and its reporting timeline.
They want the Council to confirm in writing the steps taken to comply with the notice.
HIGH COURT THREAT
Failure to comply, the lawyers warn, will trigger proceedings in the High Court of Uganda without further notice against IUIU, the Council, its Chairperson in their official capacity and Prof Mpaata.
The notice was copied to the Minister of Education and Sports, Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the IUIU University Council, Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, Rector of IUIU and Prof Mpaata.
The allegations and legal claims contained in the notice are those of the complainant and his lawyers and have not been determined by a court.
Red Pepper has contacted IUIU, Prof Mpaata, Busitema University and other relevant parties for comment on the allegations and will publish their responses when received.
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