Kampala — THE Makerere University council has set up a committee to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement. The team led by Steven Maloba, the chairman of the appointments board, will also make recommendations regarding the contracts of the university's top managers.

The council, the highest decision making organ, was set up last week and is expected to start work immediately.

A source in the committee said they would also review the procedures for the appointment of the vice-chancellor since Prof. Livingstone Luboobi's contract expires next year.

"Our job will be to find out if the allegations made by MUASA (the staff association) have substance. We shall then give a report to the university council to take a decision."

The contracts for university secretary, Sam Akorimo and academic registrar Amos Olal Odur will also expire next year. The bursar, Ben Byambabazi has already indicated that he does not want to renew his contract which expires later this year. The council, the source added, would sit on Friday to review the progress of the committee.

A few weeks ago, the academic staff demanded the resignation of the top managers accusing them of incompetence and corruption. This came shortly after their a strike over lack of teaching materials.

A visitation committee appointed by President Yoweri Museveni last year recommended that the university undergoes an overhaul of its administrative structure and its management style.