(Kampala) – Bobi Wine, leader of the People Power movement, has raised alarms over the worsening hunger crisis among government sponsored students in Ugandan public universities. In a social media post, Wine revealed that many students, including those at Kyambogo University, are suffering from severe food shortages, making it impossible for them to focus on their studies. Wine’s statements follow a visit where he extended food relief to Kyambogo students, adding to the support he had previously given to Makerere University students last week.
Wine’s post has painted a grim picture of student life, with some students reportedly resorting to prostitution to afford basic necessities, while others have turned to begging in busy areas such as Banda and Wandegeya. The widespread starvation and suffering, according to Wine, are the result of government neglect, with the Ministry of Education under the leadership of Janet Museveni failing to address the issue despite the mounting crisis.
“Reports of students starving to death and others being hospitalized with ulcers and malnutrition are unacceptable, especially in 2024,” Wine said, expressing frustration over the government’s inaction. His criticism extended to the allocation of resources, pointing out the stark contrast between the lavish spending of the government and the dire conditions faced by students.
Wine highlighted that while the President’s office, under State House, spends over 2.8 billion shillings daily, and Parliament spends over 2.6 billion shillings a day, the government has failed to prioritize the basic needs of its youth, especially those in public universities.
Wine’s remarks have struck a chord with many, who have shared concerns over the quality of education and the wellbeing of students in the face of rising costs and government neglect. He has called on the public to unite in demanding an end to what he described as an “indignity” inflicted upon young people who should be the future of the nation.
The hunger crisis has drawn criticism and angry social commentary online not just for its effects on students’ academic performance but also for its broader social implications. The desperation faced by many students who turn to extreme measures to survive is a reflection of systemic issues in the education sector, where funding shortages have become commonplace.
Bobi Wine has vowed to keep raising awareness about the issue, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of students.
