By Ben Musanje
Former students of St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College in Lira have petitioned Parliament to investigate Ndejje University over the delayed release of academic transcripts and certificates, claiming the prolonged dispute has affected more than 100 graduates who completed their studies years ago.
In a petition addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Jacob Oboth-Oboth dated July 31, 2026, former St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College director Tamali Okao accused Ndejje University of withholding academic documents belonging to former students despite the college clearing outstanding financial obligations.
Okao, who served as director of the college from 2005 to 2022, said the institution was affiliated to Ndejje University between 2015 and 2022 after government directed nursery teacher training institutions to affiliate with universities.
According to the petition which was received by the Office of the Speaker of Parliament on 4th August 2026, at least 102 students who completed their courses between 2017 and 2022 have not received their transcripts and certificates, leaving some unable to access employment opportunities, further studies and other career advancement opportunities.
“Many students have missed opportunities, lost jobs and suffered because they cannot produce transcripts and certificates as proof of completion of their studies,” Okao stated in the petition.
She asked Parliament to intervene and compel Ndejje University to release the documents, investigate whether other students from affiliated institutions are facing similar challenges, and establish mechanisms to prevent future disputes involving academic records.
The petition also calls for the Ministry of Education and regulatory bodies to create clear procedures for handling disputes between universities, affiliated colleges and students.
Dispute over Karamoja students’ fees
The dispute reportedly stems partly from unpaid fees linked to 18 students from the Karamoja region who enrolled at St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College under a government sponsorship arrangement in 2017.
Okao said the students, drawn from Kaabong, Kotido and Abim districts, completed their studies but government funding expected to cover their fees was not remitted to the college.
She claimed the unpaid fees accumulated into a debt of about Shs22 million owed to Ndejje University, affecting the processing of students’ academic documents.
The former director said the college eventually cleared the debt in May 2023, but Ndejje University delayed issuing clearance until 2025.
She further claimed that even after clearance was obtained, the certificates and transcripts had not been fully processed.
Claims of missing student records
In correspondence attached to the petition, Okao alleged that Ndejje University had repeatedly cited challenges including missing student lists, incomplete records and administrative delays.
She said some student records from different academic years, including those transferred from other institutions, had allegedly not been processed despite repeated follow-ups.
The documents submitted to Parliament indicate that in April 2025, Ndejje University issued an academic document clearance form for St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College covering 73 students, with academic charges listed for certificate, diploma and graduation processing.
Okao argues that the clearance was a sign that the students had met the university’s requirements, but their academic documents remained outstanding.
Students threaten legal action
The petition also highlights growing frustration among former students, with some allegedly threatening court action against the college administration over the delayed release of their documents.
Okao said some students and parents had accused her of failing to resolve the matter, despite her claim that the delay was linked to Ndejje University’s processing of certificates and transcripts.
She said she had approached various offices, including education authorities and political leaders, seeking intervention.
Calls for accountability
The former director wants Parliament to investigate the circumstances surrounding the delayed issuance of academic documents and determine whether affected students have been unfairly denied their qualifications.
She also wants government to reimburse the college for money allegedly spent clearing fees for the 18 Karamoja students.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns among students in Uganda over delays in the release of academic documents, which graduates often require for employment, professional registration and further education.
Ndejje University had not issued a response to the allegations contained in the petition by the time of publication. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
