Student leaders at Makerere University have initiated the “Save a Makererean” campaign to address the issue of students dropping out due to tuition fee difficulties. Mr. Robert Maseruka, the Guild President, revealed that approximately 1,000 students leave Makerere University annually because they are unable to cover their tuition fees and other essential expenses. Moreover, around 3,000 students were unable to take their exams in the previous semester due to the same financial problems.
The campaign’s primary objective is to provide support to students who struggle to meet their tuition fees. It intends to raise funds through various activities, including car washes, student-led walks, and organizing breakfast meetings and dinners. These events will involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, companies, Members of Parliament, cabinet ministers, religious leaders, and alumni, who will come together to address this pressing issue.
Mr. Maseruka emphasized the need for the collective effort of Ugandan stakeholders to rescue Makerere students, setting a fundraising target of Shs1 billion. This sum is anticipated to alleviate the tuition problem for a significant number of students.
Ms. Mariat Namiiro, the vice guild president, expressed concern about the dire consequences of not being able to afford tuition. She noted that some female students turn to prostitution, while male students seek support from “sugar mummies” to finance their education. The “Save a Makererean” campaign seeks to provide assistance to these students, helping them fulfill their educational aspirations.
In response to the campaign, Prof Buyinza Mukadasi, the university academic registrar, expressed support, provided that it operates within the university’s established structures and maintains adequate control and oversight to prevent potential abuses.
Prof Buyinza also highlighted the existing university policy, which allows the vice chancellor to grant special permission for students unable to sit for exams due to financial constraints or valid reasons. Additionally, he mentioned the approval of a “student work employment scheme” by the university council, which will offer economically disadvantaged students opportunities for work to raise their tuition fees.
Under this scheme, students can apply to the dean, and upon approval, they will be assigned work that can be monetized to cover their fees.
