Agency
Gulu University has interdicted its Dean of Students, Dr. Stella Amero Eduan, following an internal audit report highlighting alleged financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities. In a circular dated April 21, 2026, the University Secretary, David Obol Otori, announced the interdiction, citing resolutions from the 13th Meeting of the Audit and Risk Management Committee held on April 17, 2026.
According to the circular, the committee reviewed two key audit reports: the Internal Audit Report on the Gulu University Medical Unit and the Internal Audit Report on the Dean of Students’ office. Findings contained in the circular, seen by Uganda Radio Network, raised concerns about the management of funds and adherence to established procedures within the Dean of Students’ office.
The audit detailed several irregularities attributed to Dr. Amero, including missing payment vouchers, unaccounted-for funds processed and deposited into her account for official activities, and cash payments totaling Shs 214 million linked to student-related expenditures. The report also cited irregular payments amounting to Shs 87 million for guild activities and a fraudulent payment of Shs 6.6 million involving fictitious beneficiaries.
Further findings pointed to the absence of approved rates for student allowances, irregular procurement and cash-handling procedures, and failure to implement approved work plans despite funds being released. The report additionally highlighted the failure to disburse allowances to students with disabilities under her care, which the committee described as a grave dereliction of duty.
The Audit and Risk Management Committee concluded that the matters were serious and warranted immediate and thorough investigation. Citing provisions under the Public Finance Management Act and the university’s Human Resources Manual, the University Secretary directed that Dr. Amero be interdicted with immediate effect. He also instructed her to hand over all university property in her possession.
“Accordingly, in the exercise of powers conferred under Section 15.9 of the Gulu University Human Resources Manual 2017, as amended, you are hereby interdicted from duty with immediate effect pending investigations into the above matters,” the circular reads in part. The circular notes that Dr. Amero will be allowed to respond to the allegations in line with the principles of natural justice. During the interdiction period, she will receive half of her basic salary and is barred from accessing her office or exercising the powers of her position.
James Ojok Onono, the University Public Relations Officer, confirmed the interdiction to Uganda Radio Network, noting that the move followed an internal audit. Onono revealed that Dr. Amero was interdicted alongside two other officials in her office, although he did not disclose their identities. However, Uganda Radio Network understands that those interdicted alongside her include a pharmacy technician in the medical unit and an accountant in the Dean of Students’ department.
“We can’t talk much about the case because it is a matter of inquiry, and there is an assumption of innocence. So until the investigation concludes, the university will have a better position,” Onono said. He added, “For now, this interdiction arises out of an audit activity carried out. So the Audit and Risk Committee of Council recommended an interdiction.”
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Dr. Amero said she would cooperate with the university during the investigation, describing herself as a law-abiding citizen. However, she neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, instead referring the reporter to the University Secretary for further clarification. Dr. Amero will remain on interdiction for the next three months, according to university officials, pending further investigations by the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
