Why not see the plight of Makerere students?
Jan 13, 2005
SIR— I wish to bring to public attention the plight of university students, especially at Makerere University.
SIR— I wish to bring to public attention the plight of university students, especially at Makerere University.
With the end of the semester, examinations are set to begin on January 17. Many students are set to miss their examinations due to failure to pay university fees on time.
On average, a student spends approximately s850,000 (minus accommodation). With accommodation between sh250,000 and sh350,000, a student can expect to pay up to sh1,200,000 a semester.
Compared to the average monthly income of a civil servant of approximately sh250,000, these costs make it almost impossible for an average Ugandan’s son or daughter to beat the tight university deadlines.
I have also noted sensational stories on immoral activities of a few female students to offset these costs as a reflection of a moral decay among Makerere university students.
However, the issue is not whether or not students (male and female) engage in immoral activities to support themselves.
It is the high cost of university education relative to national income standards and the poor conditions under which they live.
So the question is, where are the big companies (telecommunications, beer producers, etc)? They splash large amounts of cash on social events on campus like parties yet they ignore the plight of those unable to foot their tuition.
Emmanuel Opio
Makerere University
With the end of the semester, examinations are set to begin on January 17. Many students are set to miss their examinations due to failure to pay university fees on time.
On average, a student spends approximately s850,000 (minus accommodation). With accommodation between sh250,000 and sh350,000, a student can expect to pay up to sh1,200,000 a semester.
Compared to the average monthly income of a civil servant of approximately sh250,000, these costs make it almost impossible for an average Ugandan’s son or daughter to beat the tight university deadlines.
I have also noted sensational stories on immoral activities of a few female students to offset these costs as a reflection of a moral decay among Makerere university students.
However, the issue is not whether or not students (male and female) engage in immoral activities to support themselves.
It is the high cost of university education relative to national income standards and the poor conditions under which they live.
So the question is, where are the big companies (telecommunications, beer producers, etc)? They splash large amounts of cash on social events on campus like parties yet they ignore the plight of those unable to foot their tuition.
Emmanuel Opio
Makerere University