By Standard Reporter
The 26th Guild Government’s 2024 Guild Run, originally conceived as a charitable initiative to support Uganda Christian University (UCU) students struggling with tuition fees, is under scrutiny due to financial discrepancies.
Concerns have been raised about the transparency and accountability of the funds raised from the event, which had already sparked controversy when it was rescheduled from the Advent Semester to the Trinity Semester. During the event, the 2024 Guild Run received contributions, with the money coming from various UCU offices.
The Office of the Directorate of Student Affairs (DOSA) contributed Shs3million, while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, pledged Shs5million. Additional funds included Shs500,000 from the Chief Runner, Rev. Can. Duncan Mugumya, and $200 (approximately Shs 740,000) from the Chief Guest, Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, Betty Nambooze. These funds were intended to cover the expenses associated with organising the Guild Run, including the purchase of bibs, security arrangements, and other logistical needs. However, an investigation into the financial records has uncovered discrepancies.
It is alleged that when the Prime Minister Hon Gelda Nassozi was asked to provide accountability, she sent through receipts that showed that Shs2,990,000 had been spent to organise this year’s Guild Run. Copies of the receipts which we have obtained, show that the money was spent on 113 bibs. The reported cost per bib was Shs13,000 before branding and Shs 18,000 after branding. However, at the stated price, Shs2,990,000 should have purchased approximately 166 bibs. If only 113 bibs were bought, that should have cost Shs2,034,000, leaving a shortfall of Shs956,000 which amount is unaccounted for.
A member of the 26th Guild Parliament, who spoke on condition of anonymity,
voiced concerns about the accountability of the fund. “We need to know why the
bibs cost more than what was reported and whether the purchases were verified by the finance committee,” the member stated.
The Guild’s finance committee has been urged by the Parliament to investigate the matter further to ensure that all expenditures are justified and transparent. A member of parliament who also requested anonymity says that during the time Nassozi was providing accountability, she stated that Shs1,300,000 was used for security during the Guild Run.
However she did not give a breakdown of how that money was spent and it is unclear whether any contracts or invoices were provided to substantiate the expenditure. When we put the allegations to Nassozi, she said, “I’m currently attending a conference and it is a long story that I need to sit down with you to explain everything.”
