Makerere University recently faced turmoil as government-sponsored students protested delays in receiving food and living allowances.
The unrest escalated when students, many of whom had not received payments for over three months, held a demonstration.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, suspended students involved in the protest, deeming their actions disruptive.
The students argued that the partial payments from the university were insufficient to cover living expenses, with many struggling to afford basic necessities, leading to increased distress on campus
The allowances in question are essential for government-sponsored students who rely on these funds for food and accommodation, particularly those residing off-campus.
Due to budget cuts, non-resident students received only a portion of their allowance, and students in halls received only a fraction of the promised food stipend.
The university administration attributed the delays to a reduction of over Shs25 billion in their budget, which affected various operational areas.
Students voiced frustration, with some forced to depend on well-wishers or face eviction from their hostels due to unpaid rent.
In response, the university stated that it is working with Uganda’s Ministry of Finance to secure supplementary funding.
However, students remain frustrated, with many believing the administration has not adequately addressed their grievances.
With exams approaching, both students and university leaders are urging a quick resolution to ensure stability on campus, as students face a challenging academic environment exacerbated by financial uncertainty.
