Soroti varsity on the spot over missing Shs1 billion

An audit report into operations at Soroti University has revealed how more than Shs1 billion was allegedly squandered by university staff, even before its official opening.

Whereas other universities have opened for the first semester, Soroti University is yet to be accredited by the National Council for Higher education (NCHE).
The audit report comes at a time when the university is in need of Shs5 billion to procure medical equipment for it to be accredited by the NCHE.

The report dated August 2, 2018, compiled from April to June, raises queries where money amounting to more than Shs1 billion was allegedly mismanaged. One of the query is double payments on hiring of lawyers, and the other on payment of legal damages to the sacked university secretary, Ms Ruth Achimo. Ms Achimo has since been reinstated to her former position.

Legal redress
Ms Achimo ran to court challenging her interdiction by the university council over abuse of office. In a three-page report, Mr James Odongo, the internal auditor at Soroti University, is questioned on why more than Shs513 million was paid to M/S Okurut & Company Advocates between April and June.

M/S Okurut & Company Advocates was contracted on retainer fee of Shs15 million per month which was exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18 per cent, payable quarterly.

The report indicates that during the month of April, contrary to the standing agreement of Sh15m between the university and the law firm, Ms Achimo. instead allegedly doled out Shs38.8 million for the month of April to M/S Okurut & Company Advocates.

The same money was paid for the month of May 9, and another Shs38.5 million on May 21, which could not be accounted for.
The audit reveals that another payment of Shs61 million and Shs277.3 million was paid to the same law firm on June 22, and another Shs58.7 million on July 5, which payments are not supported by any documents.
“This is nugatory and illegal expenditure and unwarranted, leading to over expenditure and diversion of public funds,” the officer states in his report.

The internal auditor advised that Ms Achimo, the accounting officer should always ensure that spending of public funds is based on approved work plan and budgets.

“The retainer fees of Shs15m per month is on a higher side and university might not be in position to continue paying such an amount, this contract should not be renewed or extended,” part of the report reads.
The internal auditor also raised the red flag on how the accounting officer advanced herself Shs172.4 million through M/S Alliance Advocates as per the court order issued by Soroti High court in favour of Ms Achimo.

“An appeal was lodged before the Court of Appeal implying the execution of the court order should have been stayed, the university lawyers should have applied for the stay of execution of the court order, and this was not done,” opines in his report.

Daniel Okalebo, an associate at MS Okurut & Company Advocates, said the retainership which the internal auditor raises in the report does not involve the litigation matters before court, save for legal advice towards the university.
The university communications officer, Mr Juma Nyene, said he could not comment on the matter because he was not in possession of the audit report.