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By Kemigisha Shanitah
Government-sponsored students at Makerere University are facing a severe crisis as they continue to be neglected, with mismanagement of their welfare coming to the forefront of public concern following recent failed strikes aimed at reminding the university administration of their unfulfilled allowances.
"We are starving with nothing to eat. Our parents assume the government provides everything for us, so they don't offer any help, only expecting us to excel in our academics," confessed Kukundakwe Shakirah, one of the affected government-sponsored students.
Despite official denials from the university administration, students are increasingly frustrated and concerned about their living conditions and access to basic necessities. "We are not going to give up on our rights to receive our allowances," stated Ndyabahika Isaac, the former president of the Makerere University Government Sponsored Students Association (MUGOSA).
In response to the students' calls for help, Pastor Martin Ssempa, a prominent religious leader, has taken to social media to raise awareness about their plight. On X (formerly Twitter), he called upon the government and Makerere University administration to address the grievances of these young Ugandans, which include:
Unpaid Allowances: Students claim they have not received their full housing and food allowances for the past three months, leaving many struggling to afford basic needs like food and shelter. Pastor Ssempa highlighted that some female students have reportedly turned to sex work as a desperate means of survival to meet personal needs and avoid hunger.
Reduced Budget: Although the university administration acknowledges a reduction in government funding, they insist this has not directly impacted student welfare. However, students argue that these budget cuts have led to a decline in the quality of services and facilities. As the semester nears its end, students report having received only a quarter of their allowance. For example, first-year students received just seventy thousand Ugandan shillings, which is insufficient to cover food and shelter in the high-cost areas around the university. Additionally, the recent eviction of vendors who previously offered affordable food options has further limited students' choices for budget-friendly meals.
Cooking Restrictions: Students are banned from cooking in their halls of residence, forcing them to rely solely on expensive meals provided by the university or nearby vendors around Kikoni and Kikumi Kumi.
Suspension Letter issued to one of the students Mr. Oyet Aliat
The university administration has issued a formal statement denying these claims, asserting that students are receiving the necessary support. However, the mounting discontent among students suggests a deeper issue that needs urgent attention. This situation raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to supporting higher education and student welfare. As the academic year progresses, students are increasingly worried about their future and the potential impact these issues may have on their education.
"It is imperative that the government and university administration take immediate action to address these issues and ensure the well-being of Makerere University students," urged Katushabe Sandie, a privately-sponsored student at Makerere University.
The writer is a Journalism and Communication student at Makerere University
