The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has revoked Robert Mugabe’s mature age entry certificate, which had been issued to him as part of the university’s mature age entry scheme. Mugabe, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate for Member of Parliament in Kitagwenda County, is facing controversy over the authenticity of his identity during the admission process.

The revocation was officially communicated on January 2, 2026, through a letter from IUIU’s Academic Registrar, Dr. Adam A. Alli, addressed to Mugabe via his legal representatives, M/s Interlink Associated Advocates. The letter specifically stated that Certificate Number IUKC-ME021MAY-139, issued under the mature age entry programme, was being cancelled.

IUIU’s Public Relations Officer, Rehema Kantono, confirmed the decision, explaining that it followed a detailed investigation by the university’s governing bodies. Petitions were submitted questioning the authenticity of Mugabe’s identity at the time he sat for the mature age entry examinations.

Under IUIU’s mature age entry scheme, which allows individuals without formal academic qualifications to be considered for admission, the primary requirement is a valid national identity card. Mugabe successfully passed the mature age examinations in May 2021 and was awarded the certificate. However, a dispute arose when individuals petitioned the university to cancel the certificate, claiming that the name Mugabe had used at the time was not legally recognized.

The petitioners argued that Mugabe had used the name “Robert Mugabe” during his application and examination process, but this name had not been legally gazetted at that time. They claimed that Mugabe had changed his name from “Serapio Bikorwohuhangi” to “Robert Mugabe” via a deed poll, but the name change process had not been completed until after the examinations.

Additionally, the petitioners raised concerns about the national identity card used by Mugabe to apply for the scheme. They alleged that it had been fraudulently obtained in 2015, as the name “Mugabe Robert” had not yet been legally gazetted.

Initially, the IUIU Examinations Committee, in a meeting held on December 11, 2025, decided not to revoke the certificate, explaining that the university was not responsible for verifying a candidate’s legal identity beyond the documents submitted during admission. However, the petitioners were dissatisfied with this decision and escalated the issue to the University Rector. This led to the University Executive Board convening during its 382nd meeting on December 31, 2025. After further deliberation, the Board resolved to recall and cancel the certificate in line with Section 7.4(iii) of the General University Examination Regulations (2023).

The university’s cancellation letter informed Mugabe that the certificate had been nullified with immediate effect, and all associated academic benefits had been withdrawn. Mugabe was instructed to return the original certificate to the Office of the Academic Registrar within 14 days, with failure to comply potentially resulting in further administrative or legal action.

In response to the revocation, Mugabe stated in a press conference on Saturday that he would seek legal advice on the next steps. He emphasized that he had legally gazetted his name change prior to sitting for the mature age examinations and that the certificate was obtained in full compliance with the university’s requirements. Mugabe also revealed that he had used the mature age entry certificate to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree programme at another university, where he presented it as his highest level of education during his parliamentary candidacy nomination.

The situation remains unresolved, as Mugabe explores his legal options regarding the revocation of his certificate. This case has garnered significant attention, especially in light of its potential impact on Mugabe’s political aspirations and educational credentials.

URN