Gulu University has interdicted its dean of students, Dr Stella Amero Eduan, following an internal audit that revealed alleged financial mismanagement.
In a circular dated April 21, 2026, university secretary David Obol Otori announced the three-month interdiction, citing resolutions from the 13th meeting of the audit and risk management committee held on April 17.
According to the circular, the committee reviewed two audit reports, one on the university medical unit and another on the dean of students’ office. Findings contained in the circular, seen by URN, 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 Amero, including missing payment vouchers, unaccounted-for funds reportedly processed and deposited into her account for official activities, and cash payments totalling Shs 214 million linked to student-related expenditures.
The report also cited irregular payments amounting to Shs 87 million for guild activities, as well as 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 audit additionally highlighted failure to disburse allowances to students with disabilities under her care, which the committee described as a serious dereliction of duty.
The audit and risk management committee concluded that the issues raised were serious and warranted immediate and comprehensive investigation. Citing provisions under the Public Finance Management Act and the university’s human resources manual, the secretary directed that Amero be interdicted with immediate effect.
She was instructed to hand over all university property in her possession. The circular further notes that Amero will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations in line with principles of natural justice.
During the interdiction period, she will receive half her basic salary and is barred from accessing her office or exercising the powers of her position. University public relations officer James Ojok Onono confirmed the interdiction, noting that it followed an internal audit process.
Onono said Amero was interdicted alongside two other officials, although he did not disclose their identities. However, URN understands that the affected officials 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 that the interdiction arose directly from recommendations by the audit and risk management committee. In an interview, Amero said she would cooperate with the investigation, describing herself as a law-abiding citizen. She neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, referring further inquiries to the university.
