(Kampala) – Following increasing complaints from government sponsored students at Makerere University about a lack of food, opposition leader Bobi Wine met with more than 300 of these students at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters, offering them food supplies and a prepared lunch. Many students explained that they have been going without their living allowances for months, with some now experiencing severe hunger, health problems, and even forced into desperate situations due to the financial strain.
The students, who are now informally organized as the “Makerere Hungry Students Association,” described the challenges they are facing due to ongoing delays in receiving their allowances. Some female students mentioned being pressured into compromising situations to make ends meet, while others reported that they have developed ulcers or have fainted due to lack of food.
| Reported Challenges by Makerere Students | Examples |
|---|---|
| Health Concerns | Ulcers, fainting episodes due to hunger |
| Social Pressures | Female students facing indecent proposals |
| Financial Impact | Unable to afford basic necessities, prolonged hardship |
Bobi Wine condemned the government for its lack of support, particularly in light of recent scandals involving significant sums of money. He questioned how Uganda could secure a strong future when students, who are supposed to be building that future, are left without essential support. “How are they expected to study under the weight of hunger?” he asked.
Despite police efforts to prevent the gathering by warning students not to attend, many still came to receive aid. The police reportedly issued threats of possible suspension to discourage attendance. However, Bobi Wine remarked that students braved these warnings to pick up the assistance NUP provided.
Bobi Wine criticized the government, accusing it of readily spending funds on enforcement and security measures to disrupt opposition activities while failing to address pressing social issues like student welfare.
