Auditor General Exposes Postgraduate Completion Crisis at Makerere, MUBS

According to recent findings, a significant number of students are struggling to finish their studies within the accredited timeframes, with inefficiencies in supervision and financial challenges identified as major factors.

The Auditor General, Edward Akol, has raised serious concerns over the delayed completion of postgraduate programs at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

According to recent findings, a significant number of students are struggling to finish their studies within the accredited timeframes, with inefficiencies in supervision and financial challenges identified as major factors.

At Makerere University, over 400 master’s students took more than four years to complete their programs—double the recommended duration of two years.

A similar situation was reported at MUBS, where 322 master’s students also faced prolonged delays.

Of the 3,044 students enrolled in master’s programmes between 2013/14 and 2020/21, only 1,931 (63%) graduated, leaving 1,113 (37%) still working towards their degrees.

PhD programmes have fared even worse. Out of 190 students registered during the same period, only 60 (31.5%) have graduated, with 130 (68.5%) still unfinished.

The main reasons for these delays include inadequate supervision, financial constraints, and low student commitment.

In light of these findings, the Auditor General has recommended urgent reforms to improve the situation, including better supervision frameworks, increased funding support, and stricter monitoring of student progress.

These changes, according to Akol, are necessary to restore the credibility and efficiency of Uganda’s higher education system.