SH6M RESEARCH CASH SCANDAL! Mountains Of The Moon University Interdicts Dean Dr John Rwakihembo Over Student Extortion Claims
Students accuse lecturer of demanding millions for research supervision, taking money to help them pass exams as survey also raises sexual misconduct allegations
-Students accuse lecturer of demanding millions for research supervision, taking money to help them pass exams as survey also raises sexual misconduct allegations
FORT PORTAL — Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) has interdicted its Faculty of Business and Management Sciences Dean, Dr John Rwakihembo, following a damning student survey that raised allegations of lecturers demanding money from students, extortion during research supervision, academic malpractice and sexual misconduct.
In a letter dated August 10, 2026, seen by RedPepper, Vice Chancellor Professor Pius Coxwell Achanga ordered Rwakihembo to immediately step aside from his duties for two months as the university investigates allegations of soliciting and/or extorting money from students in connection with research activities.
The letter, referenced CR/MMU/0061 and titled Interdiction from Duty, says the decision followed a review of the university’s 2026 End of Programme Survey Report and the Student Evaluation of Course and Teaching (SECAT) Report.
Management also cited whistleblower reports alleging that the dean had engaged in academic irregularities and malpractice.
The university said the allegations, if substantiated, would be inconsistent with its values of professionalism, integrity, honesty, accountability and ethical conduct.
SHS6M RESEARCH SUPERVISION CLAIM
At the centre of the storm are complaints from students who accused Rwakihembo of allegedly demanding hefty sums of money during research supervision.
One respondent, identified as R413 in the anonymised survey, claimed that the dean was “another machine in eating money for Research”, alleging that students under his supervision had each paid at least Shs5m.
Another respondent, R250, gave a more detailed account, claiming that they had initially been assigned different supervisors before being transferred to Rwakihembo.
The student alleged that after reaching the proposal stage with another supervisor, the dean changed the research topic and demanded Shs6m, which the student said was paid because they felt they had no choice.
The respondent complained that research expenses had become more expensive than tuition, and urged the university to publish research costs in its fee circulars so students could plan for them.
The same respondent questioned the arrangement in which heads of departments also supervise students, arguing that students should have room to change supervisors where they encounter difficulties.
Another graduate, R395, claimed that research supervision had nearly caused them to miss graduation after failing to raise money for supervision.
“The business school needs to improve its relationship between students and lecturers especially during research because we struggled a lot,” another respondent, R34, stated.
A separate respondent, R79, described the research process as being controlled by what they called university “mafias”, and argued that supervisors should be adequately paid by the institution to prevent them from allegedly overcharging students.
LECTURERS ACCUSED OF TAKING MONEY TO HELP STUDENTS PASS
The survey also raised allegations of lecturers receiving money from students in exchange for helping them pass examinations.
Respondent R272 alleged that some lecturers were getting money from students under the guise of helping them pass exams.
The report does not identify the lecturers allegedly involved in this claim or provide details of specific transactions.
However, the allegation has added another layer to the concerns facing the university’s Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, with the survey raising questions about academic integrity and the relationship between lecturers and students.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS ROCK FACULTY
In another disturbing finding, a respondent identified as R341 alleged that female students had faced sexual advances and assault by lecturers in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.
The report does not name the lecturers allegedly involved, identify the students or provide details of the incidents.
It is also not clear whether the allegations had previously been formally reported to university authorities or whether separate complaints were filed.
The allegations are among the issues now requiring investigation by the university.
455 GRADUATES PARTICIPATED IN SURVEY
The complaints emerged from an End of Programme Evaluation conducted by the university’s Quality Assurance Department.
According to the report, 520 students were targeted based on the graduation list, but 455 participated, representing an 87.5 per cent response rate.
The evaluation used questionnaires containing both rating-scale questions and open-ended responses. The university said responses were anonymised to protect participants and encourage honest feedback.
Interestingly, the report also recorded high overall satisfaction with the institution.
A total of 438 respondents, representing 96 per cent, said they would recommend MMU to other prospective students, while 17 respondents, or four per cent, said they would not.
The Quality Assurance Department said the negative feedback from the 17 respondents nevertheless highlighted issues requiring urgent attention.
Several of the most serious complaints related specifically to research supervision and the conduct of lecturers in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.
TWO-MONTH INTERDICTION, HALF PAY
In the interdiction letter, Professor Achanga said the university’s management had resolved, during its 39th Special Top University Management meeting held on August 10, 2026, to subject the allegations to a formal investigation.
A committee was subsequently constituted to conduct what the university described as an impartial and thorough inquiry and determine whether there was sufficient basis for further action.
The Vice Chancellor invoked Section 5.4.3 of the MMU Human Resource Manual, 2024, to interdict Rwakihembo from duty with immediate effect for two months, pending completion of investigations.
During the interdiction, the dean is to receive half pay and is barred from accessing his office, university premises, facilities, records, systems or property without authorisation.
He has also been directed to hand over the office of Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences until the investigations and any resulting disciplinary proceedings are concluded.
The letter further directs him not to leave the country without prior written permission from the Vice Chancellor.
Rwakihembo is, however, entitled to appear before the investigative committee and provide an explanation or response to the allegations. He may also attend with a representative of his choice.
UNIVERSITY: INTERDICTION IS NOT A FINDING OF GUILT
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that the investigation is a fact-finding exercise and does not, by itself, constitute disciplinary proceedings or a finding of misconduct.
Its purpose, according to the letter, is to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether there is sufficient basis for further action.
The committee’s findings and recommendations will guide management on whether the matter should be referred to the Appointments Board for consideration and possible disciplinary proceedings.
Rwakihembo was also instructed to hand over all university property, documents, records, equipment, keys and electronic devices to his immediate supervisor by close of business on August 11, 2026.
He is required to remain available and cooperate with the committee throughout the investigation.
The university’s decision places the spotlight on the cost and management of postgraduate and undergraduate research supervision, the relationship between students and lecturers, and the mechanisms used to protect students from alleged exploitation and abuse.
The allegations against Rwakihembo and other unnamed lecturers remain unproven. The university’s investigation is expected to establish whether the complaints have merit and whether any disciplinary action is warranted.
Red Pepper made attempts to obtain comments from Dr Rwakihembo, the Vice Chancellor and the university spokesperson regarding the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the interdiction.
However, none of them had responded to our calls and messages by press time.
We remain open to publishing their responses should they choose to comment.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com
We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.
CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!
About Post Author
