A burgeoning scandal has erupted at Uganda’s Law Development Centre (LDC), as discontented students accuse the institution’s management of tampering with their results in the recently released bar exams for the academic year 2022/23.
Exchanges of internal communications, including WhatsApp chats, and testimonies from aggrieved students, shared with this publication, paint a troubling picture of unfairness and opacity within the assessment process unless rectified.
The results, notably for the Bar course, Diploma in Law, and Diploma in Human Rights, unveiled on Wednesday, 7th February 2024, have been clouded by allegations of irregularities and discrepancies, prompting students and stakeholders to question the credibility of the examination system.
Initially, statistics indicated that out of 2087 students who undertook the Bar Course exams, only 701 passed, with 894 scheduled for supplementary exams, and 492 reported as outright failures without the avenue for appeal. This disparity raised significant concerns among students regarding the fairness of the evaluation process.
Further complicating the situation, students discovered multiple alterations in the results, accompanied by inconsistencies in the grading system. Individuals who believed they had passed were later notified of their failure, while others found themselves in the reverse scenario.
A significant issue emerged concerning 48 students from the Mbarara Campus, initially declared successful in the Bar course, but subsequently informed of their failure in certain subjects. Upon a subsequent review of results for two subjects, many of these students were found to have indeed passed, casting doubts on the accuracy of the grading process.
Amidst the turmoil, students have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability from LDC administrators and the apparent inaction against internal staff implicated in the alleged manipulation of results.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the learning environment at LDC, marked by intimidation, threats, and arrogance, purportedly resulting in student fatalities during oral examinations.
In response to these accusations, Mr. Frank Obonyo, the Senior Public Relations Officer at LDC, dismissed the claims as unfounded. He emphasized that LDC has followed proper procedures, including addressing student complaints, conducting administrative reviews, and providing opportunities for supplementary exams.
However, students continue to demand justice and transparency from LDC management. They are calling for the establishment of an Independent Examinations Board to oversee exams and a comprehensive overhaul of the examination system.
Additionally, students urge government agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and anti-corruption institutions to intervene and investigate the allegations of result tampering and unfair treatment at LDC.
As LDC grapples with these allegations, its commitment to upholding principles of justice and equality comes under scrutiny. For the students, this goes beyond mere academic performance—it’s about ensuring the recognition of their hard work and preserving the integrity of the legal profession.
Established under the 1970 Law Development Centre Act, LDC remains the premier institution providing practical training for legal practitioners in Uganda, offering the exclusive postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
