KAMPALA– Makerere University management has threatened to sue Team Uniform Limited, the university’s graduation gowns supplier if they do not deliver all the required gowns, caps and hoods on time.
In a letter dated January 10, 2020, signed by the University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda addressed to the Director Team Uniform Steven Kasumba, the latter is accused of breaching the contract that was executed on February 20, 2017, for the sale of graduation gowns to the former.
“The 70th graduation is scheduled for January 14 to January 17, 2020. To date, however, you have only delivered 6383 gowns, 900 caps, 6792 hoods. These were delivered in different installments on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 January 2020,” reads an excerpt.
According to Kiranda, the number of gowns, caps and hoods delivered so far is less than what is required for the 70th graduation.
“Please note that Makerere University as the Procuring and Disposing entity has neither received nor approved any extension for delivery as required by section 35 of the procurement contract aforesaid,” he said in a statement.
He noted that the supplier’s continued delay to deliver the procured items has led to serious concerns being raised by the University council, management and the general public.
“Most regrettably, the delay has subjected our graduands and their parents or guardians to unnecessary tension and stress. The development has particularly given negative publicity to the university which dents its image,” said Kiranda.
Kiranda further added that it has been reported that part of the gowns were sourced from China.
“Accordingly, I would like to draw your attention to section 22 of the procurement contract which requires the provider to notify the procuring and disposing entity in writing of all sub-contracts under the contract. Makerere University has not received any communication regarding any subcontracts in this regard, more so from sources outside Uganda,” reads the statement in part.
Kiranda said that the university is as a public entity has a strong commitment to the Buy Ugandan Build Uganda (BUBU) policy and therefore considers the award of contracts to local companies as part of its contribution to the promotion of local content as required by the policies of the government of Uganda.
The ceremony will be held from Tuesday 14th to Friday 17th January
According to the university website, a total of 13,509 graduands (50.5% female and 49.5% male) will be conferred upon degrees and awarded diplomas during the four-day ceremony at the Freedom Square.
A total of 420 graduands obtained a cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) above 4.40 hence attaining First Class Degrees.
“The best student in the Humanities was Ms. Namukose Rita who obtained a CGPA of 4.92 in the Bachelor of International Business of Makerere University Business School, while Ms. Namayengo Sarah topped the Sciences with a CGPA of 4.83 in the Bachelor of Conservation Forestry and Product Technology of Makerere University,” reads an excerpt.
