Four arrested at Gulu University for allegedly sitting entry exams for others
University spokesperson James Ojok Onono confirmed the arrests, describing the incident as “a serious breach of integrity and a threat to the credibility of the university’s examination system.”
The suspects are currently detained at the Gulu University Police Post, facing charges of impersonation, falsification, and forgery. (File photo)
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What began as an ordinary examination morning at Gulu University turned dramatic when invigilators uncovered an elaborate impersonation plot.
Four men, believed to be medical personnel, were arrested on October 25, 2025, after allegedly attempting to sit the mature-age entry examinations on behalf of registered candidates. The exams were for those seeking admission to the university’s Bachelor of Medicine programme.
According to university officials, invigilators became suspicious of some national identity cards presented by candidates, which appeared forged and inconsistent with official National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) standards.
When security was alerted, four individuals were arrested and later identified as Enoch Ssempija (25) from Kampala, Lawrence Mukiibi (39), Hama Abaho (26) from Ntungamo, and Williams Aine (28), also from Kampala.
Each of them was reportedly sitting for another person — among them Isaac Mbanadho, Esau Magosha, Samuel Omara, and Timothy Wyclif Kyeyune.
University spokesperson James Ojok Onono confirmed the arrests, describing the incident as “a serious breach of integrity and a threat to the credibility of the university’s examination system.”
“These individuals were hired to sit for the exams on behalf of others — an act of impersonation and forgery that we strongly condemn,” Onono told New Vision.
He praised the vigilance of the invigilators and the swift response by university security and the police. The suspects are currently detained at the Gulu University Police Post, facing charges of impersonation, falsification, and forgery.
Onono emphasised that the mature-age entry scheme is designed to give Ugandans aged 25 and above a fair opportunity to access higher education, not to be abused.
“This examination is meant to open doors for those who missed the traditional route. It’s disappointing that some people want to corrupt such opportunities,” he said.
The case has been registered under SD REF 04/25/10/2025 at Gulu University Police Post, with plans to transfer the suspects to Gulu Central Police Station for further investigation underway by press time.