(Kampala) – The National Unity Platform (NUP) recently hosted a group of government sponsored students from Makerere University at their headquarters to discuss the ongoing hunger crisis affecting the university community.
The gathering came after some students faced intimidation from university administrators who threatened them with consequences for speaking out about their struggles. Despite these challenges, many students attended the luncheon to share their experiences with the party leadership. They described a troubling situation at Makerere University, where financial difficulties and food scarcity have led to distress among students.
During the meeting, students expressed their frustrations over delays in receiving their semester funding of UGX 799,000, which has been pending for three months. This delay has forced many to rely on loans from informal lenders, putting their valuables, such as laptops and educational materials, at risk.
The NUP leadership condemned the government’s approach, likening the current struggles of students to broader issues faced by the entire nation. They pointed out that while some countries offer free or subsidized university education, the Ugandan government has reduced the number of available scholarships from 5,000 to approximately 3,000.
In response to the students’ plight, NUP provided some relief items to help them cope with the hunger crisis. This gesture was intended to highlight the government’s failure to meet its responsibilities toward students and to provoke action from those in power.
The party reiterated its commitment to education and healthcare, viewing these sectors as crucial for the future of Uganda. They encouraged Makerere students to continue advocating for their rights, stating that active engagement is essential for addressing their concerns.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity and resilience among students, emphasizing that their struggles reflect larger national issues that require attention and action from the government.
