Fresh graduates from Kayiwa International University (KINTU) are at a crossroads after the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) declared their degrees “illegal”. The university held its graduation ceremony last Friday.
Among the graduates is House of Prayer Ministries senior pastor Aloysius Bugingo. Bugingo graduated from the university with a degree in Theology and Integrated Studies.
However, according to Saul Waigolo, the spokesperson for UNCHE, Kayiwa International University has never met the required standards set by the council.
Waigolo said that the university has no physical structure and lacks qualified staff to lead the institution and also teach students. He also disclosed that the institution does not pay taxes.
Also, the programs offered at the institution are not accredited by UNCHE.
In 2010, Dr. Emurwon Olupot, an official from NCHE, was quoted saying that Kayiwa International University is illegal and its academic qualifications cannot be recognized.
However, the proprietor of the institution, Pastor Kayiwa, termed the council’s allegation as “ridiculous.” He said the university does not need to be accredited in Uganda because it already has a charter and accreditation in the USA.
According to the university website, they are affiliated with the University of the Latin and United Graduate College located in Tennessee, USA.
However, a certificate from Kayiwa International University will not be recognized for higher education, employment, or contesting for political office, according to Waigolo.