Makerere University Deputy Academic registrar in charge of Certificates and Ceremonies Margret Etuusa, has sued the University for contempt of court. The University was sued alongside its Academic Registrar Alfred Masikye Namoah and Convocation chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi.
Etuusa accuses them of blocking a court order reinstating her to office, where she had earlier been suspended for gross misconduct and abuse of office pending disciplinary action.
The controversy pitting Etuusa against her employers stemmed from a contract awarded to Exxon contractors Limited, a private firm, to obtain money from Graduands and guests for phone custody, during the February 2017 graduation ceremony.
She however rushed to court to block her suspension. Accordingly High Court Jude Lydia Mugambe issued an order reinstating her pending disposal of her main application challenging the suspension.
However, the Makerere University Appointments Board and Convocation protested her reinstatement and called for further probe into Etuusa's involvement in the procurement process.
Convocation Chairman Dr Tanga Odoi engaged the Criminal Investigations Department of Police, seeking thorough investigations into the relationship between Margaret Etuusa and Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba Ssentamu. He accused Ddumba of failing to take disciplinary action against Etuusa even in the face of glaring evidence against her.
"Despite our observations and our formal plea to University management, we have not been formally given feedback on the unethical manner in which this public office was abused hence leading to financial loss to the university, government and individuals that were fleeced," Odoi noted.
He faults Prof. Ddumba for influence peddling and refusing to adhere to advice by the appointments board and university lawyers' not to allow Etuusa back in office.
Odoi added that there has been enough cover up for Etuusa and that it was time to expose her.
But the embattled official says all actions are in contempt of court. She is seeking a fine of 3 billion Shillings for the loss and suffering she has endured during the time. She also wants court to commit Dr Tanga Odoi and Alfred Namoah to a civil prison for their actions.
The trio will appear in court on June 16 to defend themselves.
