KAMPALA, Uganda — Gulu University has interdicted its Dean of Students, Dr Stella Amero Eduan, following an internal audit that flagged alleged financial mismanagement involving hundreds of millions of shillings.
In a circular dated April 21, 2026, University Secretary David Obol Otori announced the three-month interdiction, citing resolutions from the Audit and Risk Management Committee’s 13th meeting held on April 17.
According to the circular, the committee reviewed audit reports on both the university medical unit and the Dean of Students’ office. The findings raised concerns about weak financial controls, non-compliance with procedures, and questionable handling of funds.
The audit outlined several alleged irregularities linked to Dr. Amero, including missing payment vouchers and funds reportedly processed for official activities but not properly accounted for. It also cited cash transactions totaling about Shs 214 million tied to student-related expenditures.
Additional concerns included irregular payments of approximately Shs 87 million for guild activities and a further Shs 6.6 million flagged as a fraudulent payment to fictitious beneficiaries. The report also pointed to gaps such as lack of approved allowance rates, irregular procurement and cash-handling practices, and failure to implement approved work plans despite funds being released.
Notably, auditors flagged the failure to disburse allowances to students with disabilities—an issue the committee described as a serious lapse in duty.
The committee concluded that the matters warranted a comprehensive investigation and recommended immediate action in line with the Public Finance Management Act and the university’s human resource guidelines.
Under the interdiction, Dr. Amero is required to step aside for three months, receive half her basic salary, and is barred from accessing her office or exercising official duties. She has also been instructed to hand over all university property. The university emphasized that she will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations in accordance with due process.
University Public Relations Officer James Ojok Onono confirmed the development, noting that two other staff members—a pharmacy technician in the medical unit and an accountant in the Dean of Students’ office—were also interdicted, though their identities were not officially disclosed.
“We can’t comment extensively at this stage because it is a matter under investigation, and there is a presumption of innocence,” Onono said, adding that the action followed recommendations from the audit committee.
In a brief response, Dr. Amero said she would cooperate with the investigation, describing herself as a law-abiding citizen. She declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, referring inquiries back to the university.
The interdiction remains an administrative measure pending the outcome of investigations, which will determine the next course of action.
