Gulu University has interdicted its Dean of Students following findings from an internal audit report that flagged alleged financial mismanagement and administrative lapses within her office.
In a circular dated April 21, 2026, the University Secretary, David Obol Otori, confirmed the interdiction of Dr. Stella Amero Eduan, citing recommendations from the 13th meeting of the Audit and Risk Management Committee held on April 17, 2026.
The decision followed reviews of audit reports covering both the Gulu University Medical Unit and the Dean of Students’ office.
The audit findings pointed to several financial and procedural concerns, including missing payment records, unaccounted-for funds, and transactions allegedly routed through personal accounts for official university activities.
The report further cited cash payments amounting to about Shs 214 million linked to student-related expenditures, alongside irregular guild-related payments totaling Shs 87 million.
Investigators also flagged a suspected fraudulent payment of Shs 6.6 million involving what were described as fictitious beneficiaries.
Additional concerns included the absence of approved rates for student allowances, weak procurement and cash-handling systems, and failure to implement approved work plans despite funds being released.
The audit further noted that students with disabilities under the Dean’s office reportedly did not receive their allowances, which the committee described as a serious administrative failure.
Following the findings, the Audit and Risk Management Committee recommended immediate action.
Acting under provisions of the Public Finance Management Act and the Gulu University Human Resources Manual, the University Secretary ordered Dr. Amero’s interdiction and directed her to hand over all university property in her possession.
The interdiction letter states that she will remain out of office while investigations continue, receiving half of her basic salary and barred from accessing her office or performing official duties.
She will, however, be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations in line with principles of natural justice.
University spokesperson James Ojok Onono confirmed the development, noting that two other staff members were also interdicted in connection with the same audit, including officials from the medical unit and the Dean’s office.
Their identities were not fully disclosed, though sources indicate a pharmacy technician and an accountant are among those affected.
Onono emphasized that the matter is still under investigation and that the individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise, adding that the interdiction was based strictly on audit recommendations.
Dr. Amero, in a brief response, said she would cooperate with the ongoing process, describing herself as a law-abiding official. She did not directly respond to the allegations but referred further inquiries to the University Secretary.
The interdiction is expected to last three months as the Audit and Risk Management Committee continues its investigations.
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