Mbarara dons appeal for student loans

May 15, 2008

LECTURERS at Mbarara University of Science and Technology lecturers have petitioned Parliament to lobby the Government to set up loan schemes for science students. This, they said, would reduce the number of university drop-outs.

By Abdulkarim Ssengendo

LECTURERS at Mbarara University of Science and Technology lecturers have petitioned Parliament to lobby the Government to set up loan schemes for science students. This, they said, would reduce the number of university drop-outs.

Dr. Joramu Kabakyenga, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, said some students do not complete their courses because of lack of fees.

Kabakyenga was addressing members of the parliamentary committee on science and technology, who toured the university on Wednesday.

William Nokrach said the scheme was a good suggestion but its management and recovery mechanisms were a challenge since some students who complete studies fail to get jobs and others get scholarships and leave the country.

However, Oyet Simon (Mwoya) said the Government had money to fund such schemes only that it had lost focus.

“We need to focus on priorities. Imagine the money that was spent on CHOGM and the Afro-Arab meetings. These students would not be crying for funding if that money financed such projects,” he said.

Dorah Mwebesa, the director of the Institute of Computer Science, said the space and teaching facilities were not enough for the students.

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