Professor Benon Basheka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Academic Affairs at Kabale University, has been dismissed from his position due to allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination. This decision was communicated through a press statement dated March 13, 2024, signed by Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga, the University Vice Chancellor. Basheka was relieved of his duties after formally handing over his office on Wednesday, as stated in the statement released on Friday.
In response to inquiries, Vice Chancellor Kwesiga confirmed Basheka’s dismissal, attributing it to the decision reached by the University disciplinary committee, Appointments Board, and the University Council. These bodies, after conducting an investigation into Basheka’s conduct, found him guilty of misconduct. However, Kwesiga refrained from elaborating further, noting that she is not the appointing authority.
A source within the University administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Basheka had recently appeared before the disciplinary committee, Appointments Board, and the University Council. During these proceedings, Basheka admitted to charges of abuse of office, abetting crime, and gross insubordination, as outlined in the Kabale University Human Resource Manual. Following his admission, the committees unanimously voted to remove him from his position.
Efforts to reach Basheka for comment proved unsuccessful, as his mobile phone could not be reached.
On February 7, 2024, Professor Basheka lodged a petition with the National Council for Higher Education, calling for intervention and investigations into various issues at Kabale University. These issues included alleged mismanagement of students’ results, de-enrollment of students by the Academic Registrar’s department without the knowledge of the finance department, presence of inactive students in the system, unauthorized changes in fee structures, and unauthorized alterations of students’ sponsorship statuses.
Table: Allegations Against Professor Basheka
| Allegations | Findings |
|---|---|
| Abuse of Office | Guilty |
| Abetting Crime | Guilty |
| Gross Insubordination | Guilty |
| Mismanagement of Students’ Results | Pending investigation |
| De-enrollment Without Finance Knowledge | Pending investigation |
| Presence of Inactive Students | Pending investigation |
| Unauthorized Fee Structure Changes | Pending investigation |
| Unauthorized Sponsorship Changes | Pending investigation |
These allegations, along with Basheka’s subsequent dismissal, indicate significant turmoil within the administration of Kabale University. The dismissal underscores the University’s commitment to upholding standards of conduct and accountability among its staff. The pending investigations into Basheka’s allegations further highlight the importance of transparency and accountability within the higher education sector.
