Mbarara University Warns After Woman Found Impersonating Pharmacy Student
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has issued a rare public security alert after discovering that a woman had been falsely presenting herself as a registered Pharmacy student at the institution.
In a notice released late Wednesday, MUST Security and the Office of the Academic Registrar identified the individual as Ms. Jacinter Hamba, warning that she had attended lectures and participated in student-related activities while masquerading as a member of the Faculty of Medicine.
According to the university, Ms. Hamba claimed to belong to the Department of Pharmacy under registration number 2024/PHA/005. A verification exercise, however, confirmed that she is not a registered student at MUST and does not appear in any official university records.
“All students and staff are advised NOT to engage with her in any capacity related to MUST. Stay vigilant,” the university said in its statement, which was accompanied by an “IMPOSTOR” alert and her photograph to help the community identify her.
University officials say the impersonation case raises concerns about security breaches, access to academic spaces, and the potential misuse of university identity systems. MUST has tightened surveillance around lecture halls and administrative units, with staff instructed to conduct additional checks where necessary.
While impersonation cases across higher education institutions are uncommon, MUST says it is treating the matter seriously to protect the integrity of its academic programs and ensure student safety.
The university did not disclose how long Ms. Hamba had been attending campus activities or whether investigations could lead to criminal charges, but officials indicated that further inquiries are underway.
