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Legal Notice Challenges Re-Appointment of IUIU Vice Rector Over Governance and Appointment Concerns

A legal dispute has emerged at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) following a formal notice of intention to sue challenging the re-appointment of Professor Kaziba Abdul Mpaata as Vice Rector responsible for Finance and Administration. The notice, dated 10 September 2026, was issued by J Byamukama & Co. Advocates on behalf of Kyagulanyi Abdul Nasser, described in the document as an alumnus of the university with a continuing interest in the governance of his alma mater. The notice is addressed to the Chairperson of the IUIU University Council, Professor Dr Mohammad A.S.E.A. Altabtabaei. What is being challenged? At the centre of the dispute is the re-appointment of Professor Kaziba Abdul Mpaata as Vice Rector (Finance and Administration). The lawyers argue that the University Council's decision raises questions concerning the statutory limits governing the office and the manner in which the appointment was made. The notice refers to provisions of the Islamic University in Uganda Act, particularly Sections 13 and 24, which it says govern the Council's supervisory authority and the appointment and tenure of the Vice Rector. According to the notice, the relevant provision provides for a five-year term with eligibility for re-appointment. The lawyers argue that Professor Mpaata has occupied the office continuously for more than 15 years and that the latest re-appointment would therefore constitute a fourth consecutive term. They contend that such a re-appointment would defeat the purpose of a fixed, renewable term and would be contrary to the statutory framework. Questions surrounding dual full-time employment A second issue raised in the legal notice concerns Professor Mpaata's alleged employment relationship with Busitema University. The lawyers state that, both when the re-appointment was made and at the time of the notice, Professor Mpaata was a full-time member of staff at Busitema University. The notice describes the IUIU Vice Rector (Finance and Administration) position as a full-time executive office. The lawyers consequently raise questions about whether an individual can simultaneously hold two full-time positions and refer to the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders in support of their argument. The notice further raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and remuneration from public resources. These are allegations and legal arguments contained in the notice and would ultimately be matters for the relevant institutions or courts to determine. The audit investigation issue The third major concern relates to an ad hoc committee established by the University Council to investigate audit queries relating to Professor Mpaata. The lawyers argue that because Professor Mpaata remains in office and allegedly continues to have control over records, systems and staff that may be relevant to the investigation, questions arise regarding the independence and credibility of the process. The notice invokes principles of sound governance and natural justice and argues that an officer whose stewardship is under investigation should step aside while the inquiry is ongoing. Importantly, the lawyers make a specific clarification: Their client is not expressing a position on the merits of the audit queries. Instead, according to the notice, the concern is the integrity of the investigative process and the legality of the appointment. What has been demanded? The legal notice gives the University Council 14 days to respond to the demands. Among the requested actions are: Convening the University Council and rescinding Professor Mpaata's re-appointment as Vice Rector (Finance and Administration), according to the lawyers' interpretation of the IUIU Act. Directing Professor Mpaata to step aside from office pending the lawful filling of the position. Providing copies of Council resolutions and minutes relating to his appointment and each re-appointment. Providing his current instrument of appointment and terms of reference. Providing information concerning the composition and reporting timeline of the ad hoc committee. Confirming in writing the steps taken in response to the legal notice. What happens next? The notice states that if the demands are not addressed within the specified period, the lawyers have instructions to institute proceedings in the High Court of Uganda against the University, the Council, the Chairperson in his official capacity, and Professor Mpaata. The lawyers also state that their client does not take pleasure in litigating against an institution he holds in high regard and expresses a preference for the Council to restore what the notice describes as lawful governance without court proceedings. The development now puts the University's governance processes under increased public attention. Whether the matter is resolved administratively or proceeds to court, the issues raised touch on broader questions relevant to universities in Uganda: term limits, institutional governance, conflicts of interest, accountability, transparency and the independence of investigations.

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