Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has issued a stern warning over a growing wave of cyber fraud targeting students seeking admission for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The alert follows the discovery of several unauthorized social media platforms, including a WhatsApp group titled, “Mbarara University 2026/2027 Application,” which university officials say is being used to extort money from unsuspecting applicants.
In a statement released on March 21, 2026, the University Academic Registrar, Martha Kyoshaba Twinamatsiko, said the groups are operated by individuals posing as university staff or “admissions consultants.”
“The Management of Mbarara University of Science and Technology has noted the existence of a fraudulent WhatsApp group titled ‘Mbarara University 2026/2027 Application’. This group, and others like it, are being operated by unscrupulous individuals claiming to provide assistance to science students seeking admission,” she said.
According to the university, the fraudsters primarily target science applicants, offering “guaranteed” admission or expedited processing in exchange for so-called consultation fees.
Kyoshaba emphasized that MUST does not charge any consultation fees outside the officially approved application fees paid through recognised bank channels or the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).
“These fraudsters are reportedly charging unsuspecting applicants a ‘consultation fee’ to facilitate the application process,” she added.
The university warned that such schemes exploit the anxiety of students competing for limited slots, particularly in competitive science programmes.
MUST reiterated that all official communication regarding admissions, deadlines, and requirements is conducted exclusively through its verified website, official social media platforms, and designated contact lines.
Applicants and parents have been advised to use only the official university contacts during working hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday), including the admissions general line, the Office of the Academic Registrar, and postgraduate admissions contacts.
“Any individual dealing with contacts or platforms other than those listed does so at their own risk. Mbarara University of Science and Technology will not be held liable for any financial loss or data breach resulting from engagements with unauthorized persons,” Kyoshaba warned.
The university said it is working with security agencies to track and take action against those behind the fraudulent groups.
