Kabale University students strike over allowances

PIC: Kabale University Students demonstrating in front of the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of academics.         (Job Namanya)

Over 30 Government-sponsored students at Kabale University on Wednesday demonstrated over delayed payment of their allowances.

Students said since they reported for the semester on August 12,2017, they have not received any payment of their allowances.

Each government-sponsored student is entitled to sh840,000 every academic year.

The students said they were asked to submit their bank accounts, but they have not been paid. They say they are finding it hard to survive in the university without money to pay for rent and meals.

"I have been chased out of my house by my Land Lord and I cannot afford to even buy myself food. I therefore beg authorities to have this cleared as soon as possible," said Elijah Ainebyona, a student on government sponsorship.

The students also decried the sh100,0  they are charged by the university as development fees, saying it is unfair, since the Government already pays it.
 
"If the university is being developed by the Government, why should we be paying this development fee," said Charles Twesigye another student on government sponsorship, argued.

During the demonstration, students marched with placards and entered the office of the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academics, Prof. Ezra Mishambi Twesigomwe, but on seeing them, he walked out of his office.

Judith Akatukunda, the Kabale University public relations officer, said since the institution is a public university, these students will receive the money in quarters.

She said the university had paid the first quarter to the student accounts and that the cheques would be ready as soon as possible.