Published on 07/08/2025
Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has announced plans to investigate all software systems procured by the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and National Guidance following complaints from multiple government agencies about their inefficiencies.
Several institutions have abandoned these systems in favour of privately procured alternatives.
The announcement came from PAC Chairperson Muwanga Kivumbi during a meeting with Law Development Centre (LDC) officials on August 6, 2025, to review the Auditor General’s 2023/24 report. The report highlighted significant flaws in LDC’s student online system. Kivumbi noted, “Almost all systems created by the Ministry of ICT are dysfunctional. We’ve seen this in the Ministry of Finance, hospitals, universities, and the Judiciary. If necessary, we will recommend a forensic audit.”
Auditor General Edward Akol reported that LDC’s academic institution management system, intended to manage student data, admissions, enrolment, fees, and academic training, has faced challenges for three years. These issues have hindered the use of critical modules, including curriculum management, invoicing, and user role management.
Former LDC Director Frank Nigel Othembi admitted the system’s shortcomings, revealing that LDC plans to transition to a new system. “The Academic Information Management System (AIMS) was procured by the ICT Ministry for all government academic institutions. After two years of support, institutions were told to budget for it themselves. Many have since abandoned AIMS due to its challenges,” Othembi explained.
Mawogola South MP Gorreth Namugga questioned whether the Ministry conducted a needs assessment before rolling out AIMS, to which Othembi confirmed the process lacked consultation. “The Ministry imposed the system without engaging institutions in their specific needs,” he said.
In the same meeting, Kivumbi addressed proposed reforms to the LDC following Cabinet’s approval to repeal the Law Development Centre Act, Cap. 251. The repeal would end LDC’s monopoly on Bar Course training, allowing accredited institutions to offer the program.
Kivumbi deferred discussion on the reforms, stating, “LDC is set for drastic changes. It may become an examination centre, with the Bar Course teaching shifting to the main campuses. We’ll await further details.”
The meeting followed a PAC field visit on August 5, 2025, to LDC’s contested 4.5-acre land in Bukoto, Kampala, valued at approximately UGX 10 billion. The committee criticized LDC’s management for negligence, as staff allegedly sold portions of the land, with current occupants now demanding over UGX 2.5 billion in compensation.
Kivumbi remarked, “LDC acquired this prime land without occupants, but its staff sold it off. The first seller fled, and others continued the fraud. We will hold special meetings to address this and ensure fair treatment for current occupants.”
Joweria Namukose, a resident of Mulimila Zone, told the committee that in 2019, occupants demanded UGX 600 million in compensation, expecting payment within six months. However, new occupants have since arrived, and some have expanded their properties, increasing compensation demands.
Another resident, Justus Wenani, accused Local Council officials of fraud, noting that some buyers were unaware the land belonged to LDC, while others paid small sums to officials for access.
The PAC’s investigation into the Ministry of ICT’s software systems and LDC’s land issues signals a broader push to address systemic inefficiencies and mismanagement in public institutions.
