Court to hear Kato Lubwama academic qualification case

High Court has set October 31 to hear the case that was filed by an activist, Mr. Habib Buwembo a member of jobless brother hood, challenging Rubaga South MP Kato Lubwama’s academic qualification.

In the case, Buwembo contends that Kato Lubwama lacks the minimum academic qualifications to be a member of parliament and that he failed his Uganda Certificate of Education examinations.

Mr Buwembo further contends that according to the document signed by the then Uganda National Examination Board Executive Secretary, Peter H Anywar, he clarifies that having obtained result 7, Kato Lubwama did not qualify for the award of a certificate.

The document reads “we did provide answers to all the questions raised in the document provided by Mr. Habib Buwembo. UNEB does not keep certificates of candidates. The Board is not in possession of individual candidates’ certificates to avail copy to any interested party. Whereas the interpretation of the results of Kato Paul Was not part of the request initially filed by Mr. Habib Buwembo. We clarify that having obtained result 7, Kato Lubwama did not qualify for the award of a certificate.”

Buwembo adds that there is no evidence that Lubwama proceeded to A-level or undertook any course that is equivalent to it.

He also says even though there is proof that he obtained a diploma in MDD from Makerere University at that time, for one to qualify and to be accepted on the course, he or she had to present an original UCE or UACE (or equivalent) certificate.

He says one could also be admitted to the programme by sitting special entry examinations.
Mr. Buwembo contends that although these examinations specifically targeted practicing artistes, they required the person to be in possession of a UCE certificate or its equivalent.

But Lubwama, according to the documents, was admitted using this process in 1992.

In a letter to the academic registrar, Makerere University, Isaac Ssemakadde, the executive director of CLA contends that the university negligently admitted Lubwama to the diploma programme without ascertaining whether he has a UCE certificate and without doing any due diligence.

However in telephone interview with Daily Monitor, Kato Lubwama refuted claims and said ”Mr. Kato Paulo registered as Kato Lubwama, he sat and passed the special university Entrance Examination for Diploma programmes in 1992 and was consequently admitted to pursue a Diploma in Music ,Dance and Drama at Makerere University.
He adds that ‘’The Special University Entry Examination serve as one of the avenues through which one can gain admission to Diploma Programmes at Makerere University .Since 1998,Candidates who pass the special Entry Examinations are issued with Certificate of Recognition.’’

“I wonder why people question my papers, how did I go to Parliament? Lubwama added.

He says that Buwembo should prepare for his compensation fee because he knows he is qualified MP.