A civil society organisation wants the Universities Act 2012 amended to allow alumni associations be part of decision-making organs of public universities.
PAWA, in a petition to the National Assembly, said alumni associations should nominate representatives to respective university council, senate, management board, committees and other organs in addition to managing an endowment fund.
Executive director Patrick Kaberia argued that exclusion of alumni in decision-making can is partly to blame for the woes facing many public universities.
He said the higher institutions face poor leadership, mismanagement, deteriorating debt levels, lack of accountability, inadequate public participation and lack of inclusivity.
“He is thus convinced that involvement of alumni associations would go a long way in addressing the aforementioned challenges,” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said in his message to the House.
He added that Kaberia, concerned about the sad state of public universities, believes alumni and other stakeholders have a key role in resuscitating, rejuvenating and supporting the institutions.
The petitioner wants the word ‘may’ in Section 42 of the Act replaced with ‘shall’ in order to compel public universities to establish alumni associations.
Wetang’ula ordered the petition be committed to the Public Petitions Committee to consider the request and report its finding to the House and the petitioner in accordance with Standing Order 227 (2).
An alumni association brings former students together to maintain a connection with their university and fellow graduates.
Alumni are an institution's most loyal supporters. Alumni are fundraising prospects.
They generate invaluable word-of-mouth marketing among their social and professional networks.