Moses Mukundane
9 November 2008
opinion
Kampala — A lot has been said about the forgery of academic transcripts, especially for Makerere University in Kampala's arcades.
Some are illegally processed from the universities' transcripts offices. I strongly condemn this bizarre act. The increasing circulation of fake transcripts in the job market is gravely affecting those who have genuine ones.
It has created a lot of mistrust against job-seekers and those already employed. Job-seekers are treated with suspicion, while those in the field are seen as 'accidentally' employed.
There is also a growing suspicion against those with good grades, especially first class degrees. It is very absurd that instead of appreciating one's good academic performance, employers are doing the opposite. Those with good grades are wrongly linked to forgery business. I feel so thwarted when my friends and I are labelled so, after having worked hard to get good grades.
I must assure employers in Uganda and abroad that not withstanding the existence of some wrong elements - the "free riders" who get indulged in forgery, there are many genuine transcripts and bright graduates from Makerere University. Those who have recruited them in their organisations will testify to this.
I also support the compulsory verification exercise of employees' academic papers with their respective universities to knock out forged ones and create space for those with genuine papers.
It is unfortunate, unethical and traitorous for Makerere University staff in-charge of issuing transcripts to indulge in this 'black' business.
My view, like many writers have suggested, is that the entire transcripts office must be overhauled and replaced with the new staff. Short of this, the practice will continue because a member of staff who forged a transcript for someone cannot refuse certifying it.
Finally, those involved in this black business should know that they are tarnishing the image of our universities and is spoiling opportunities for graduates with genuine transcripts. My prayer is that they are apprehended and suffer legal consequences.
The writer holds a first class degree from Makerere University
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