Majority of government-sponsored students through their association—Makerere University Government Sponsored students have civilly expressed their dissatisfaction with late payment of their government allowances.
“Most of the students are suffering because the partial payment was given a long time ago. Some students have been evicted from the hostels and houses they rent over non-payments,”, narrates Ms Akello.
According to the chairperson of the Makerere University government-sponsored students, Ms Lilian Akello, non resident students are allocated Shs 768,000 per semester for rent and food, while those in halls are allocated Shs 530,000 per semester for food alone. However, only partial payments have been made; continuing non resident students have only received Shs 446,000, while first years received Shs 300,000 considered insufficient. Those living in halls of residence have been given only Shs 93,000 for food.
“Those living in halls of residence are starving because they are not permitted to cook food from their halls, and yet they have no money to buy food. What does the government expect them to do?” She says she also wrote to custodians of various hostels to allow government sponsored students to stay as they await their allowances in vain.
“The students are looking for ways to stay with their friends because they have no where to go as the majority come from upcountry and cannot commute from home.” Ms Akello said.
The dean of students, Mr Winfred Kabumbuli, clarified that much as allowances are being disbursed for internships, disability support, recess terms, and partial food and partial housing costs, government budget reductions affected overall operations.
“It is not true that students are keeping quiet about their grievances and that the University Administration wants them to keep quiet.”, He added
