Makerere to refund students transport fare

Sep 26, 2011

UGANDAN students will get transport refund as compensation for the loss they incurred when the university closed a month ago.

By Conan Businge

UGANDAN students will get transport refund as compensation for the loss they incurred when the university closed a month ago.

International students, however, have not been catered for since they were accommodated in the university halls during the lecturers’ strike, which paralysed the university.

The university publicist, Ritah Namisango, confirmed the arrangement, saying it was initially announced when the university was being closed by the council.

“They will be compensated,” Namisango said. At the closure of the university on August 27, the council chairman, Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, said the university would refund the money students would incur on transport when the university re-opened. The university re-opened yesterday.

The Guild President, Denis Oneka-Nit, yesterday told New Vision that: “Negotiations on how much should be paid per student were still ongoing.”

But according to sources, students are likely to receive a uniform refund fee to avoid cases of students forging their places of origin.

The vice-chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, told Sunday Vision that teaching would go on throughout the Christmas season, except on Christmas and Boxing days.

He added that lectures were expected to resume today.

Meanwhile, students yesterday thronged the university as they anticipated the start of lecturers today morning. Most resident students could be seen being dropped off at their respective halls of residence and at the main gate in the course of the whole day. By Sunday evening, most of the male students had already returned to their halls.

Students react to the university re-opening

Janet Asiimwe: We had waited for this time for too long. It is also nice that the university is promising to compensate us by extending the semester.

Joseph Atuhuura: The strike gravely cost students renting houses near the university. They paid rent, yet they were doing nothing.

Mark Mulindwa: Lecturers have used us to meet their goals. They knew that by punishing us, the Government would be forced to bend to their demands.

Ajuna Harriet: It is unreasonable for someone to work for about a decade and they are told their pension cannot be paid. Lecturers had a point to be angry and strike.

Sam Okot: In the past, no one would compensate the students’ transport when the university closed. This time round, the university has been considerate.

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