Universities reject demands to reduce fees for finalists

Vice-chancellors from Makerere, Kyambogo and Uganda Christian universities have refused to yield to students' demands to reduce fees paid by finalists for the second semester.

In a joint meeting on Wednesday, the chancellors from the three universities argued that by the time the institutions closed in March, they had already covered over 90% of the syllabus and had only remained with revisions and exams.

The joint meeting was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, state minister for higher education John Chrysostom Muyingo, finance state minister Gabriel Ajedra and guild leaders from different public and private universities.

Makerere University deputy vicechancellor in charge of academics Umar Kakumba said it was wrong for students to argue that they are going to study half semester when by the time of closure, 90% of the second and final semester's content and syllabus for the finalists was covered. He added that the remaining 10% includes revision and exams.

Kyambogo University vice-chancellor Prof. Elly Katunguka said by the time of closure, the university had covered 75-80% of the syllabus and by this time, the students should have completed payment of all the fees.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) vice-chancellor Associate Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said the issue of reducing fees was discussed by management, the university council and was resolved. He said that is why the students decided to take it to another level.

The students last week petitioned Parliament, raising concern over the preparedness of their institutions as well as the demands for 100% tuition payment despite the financial crisis occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group led by the Makerere University and UCU guild presidents — Julius Katerega and Timothy Kadaga — who complained that the universities were asking students to pay full fees when they are going to study for only two months.

"We have been home for almost seven months. We are going to study for less than half of the semester, but they are still asking us to pay full fees. This is unfair," Kadaga said.

The guild leaders want students with fees challenges to be allowed to sit for examinations and complete the payment before accessing transcripts.

Timothy Kadaga said in recognition of the financial challenges all academic institutions have faced following their closure for the last six months, the Government should provide a stimulus package to enable them get back on their feet.

"Online learning should also be suspended because it is discriminatory in nature and inefficient, especially to medical students whose curriculum requires 85% physical interaction between lecturers and students," the petition read.

Judith Nalukwago, a medical student from Makerere University, said necessary preparations should be made to make sure that continuing students report back to school.

She said the students were living illegally at the university, which exposes them to a number of risks, including COVID-19.

Kadaga said because of the urgency of the matter, the concerned stakeholders should address the students' issues as soon as possible.

Although Muyingo said he had not looked at the petition, he asked that the universities and all other concerned stakeholders be given two weeks to harmonise their positions.

"The issues raised by students are of policy and administrative nature. We need to consult and come up with a harmonised position. Right now, we cannot make any decision without consulting the other stakeholders," he said.

Makerere University vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the council is expected to meet this week and will present the students' requests.

The vice-chancellors, however, advised students with financial challenges to discuss with the university authorities so that they are allowed to do exams and complete payment later.