By Standard Reporter
In a ruling by the Guild Tribunal at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Guild Prime Minister Hon. Gelda Nassozi has been found guilty for failing to account for funds of the Guild Run held on July 13, 2024. The run, a flagship initiative of the Guild Government, was intended to raise funds to support students facing tuition challenges.
The ruling, delivered on September 29, found that Nassozi’s accountability for the funds was insufficient. The tribunal court ruled that her allowances should be attached to the University account until further notice. It also stated that Nassozi refunds what she failed to account for.
According to documents released by the court, the tribunal found Nassozi guilty of mismanaging the funds, stating that the accountability she provided was inadequate and could not therefore exonerate her from the charges levelled against her.
This decision marks the first time a Guild Prime Minister at UCU has been convicted of financial mismanagement, setting a precedent in the institution’s leadership history. The tribunal’s ruling has not only sent shockwaves across the student leadership but also raised concerns about the transparency of guild activities in the past and moving forward.
Counsel Richard Tandeka, who represented Nassozi, objected to the tribunal’s ruling.
“The process was flawed. The nature of the case, which involves fundamental rights, did not require constitutional interpretation,” said Tandeka.
He argued that the tribunal should have acted in the capacity of a High Court or Court of Appeal in such cases.
“The role of the Constitutional Court is to interpret acts that have been violated,” Tandeka argued. He also called for a review of the composition of the tribunal, proposing that the Chief Justice’s position be occupied by a staff member from the School of Law to ensure proper legal conduct. “A legal expert from the faculty could help guide students and prevent errors in judgment,” Tandeka added.
Efforts to reach Counsel Edgar Okitoi, the legal representative for the plaintiff, for a response to Tandeka’s objections were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the matter.
The ruling was delivered at the close of UCU’s annual Justice Week, an event organised by the Guild Tribunal in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office to raise awareness among students about the tribunal’s role in governance. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to share grievances and complaints about their leaders.
In its ruling, the Tribunal made two recommendations. It called for the creation of an office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) within the Guild government, tasked with checking the financial conduct of Guild officials, and.recommended that all Guild finances be handled by the Ministry of Finance to streamline the management of funds.
