International students across different Universities in Uganda are stranded due to the closure of these universities for 32 days over the Coronavirus pandemic.
On March 18, President Yoweri Museveni ordered for closure of all teaching institutions, Churches, bars in a bid to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. So far, Uganda has one confirmed case of the pandemic virus. The virus is currently spread to over 160 countries.
Following the above directives and guidelines, by Friday March 20, 2020, all universities had closed and students were advised to go back to their respective homes until 32 days are over.
Speaking to Campus Bee, the Vice Chancellor, Kampala International University, Dr. Mouhammad Mpezamihingo said that at KIU, they do not have special preparations for International students since the days given are not many.
Mpezamihigo says, the University will only excuse International students who are currently staying within the University Hostels.
“Our International students who stay within our University hostels will be there, the only problem is with those who stay outside university, who will continue catering for themselves as they have always done” the Vice Chancellor said.
According to Reuben Twinomujuni the Senior Public Relations officer Kyambogo University, the university has closed all halls of residence. Twinomujuni further says that for international students, they can stay but manage their cost of living.
Elsewhere, Yasir Mohamed, a first year student at Cavendish University from Somalia says the closure of university has really affected them since they are always with plans of the whole semester.
“We are not happy for this closure because it will be hard for us, we communicated to our parents and they are aware of what Coronavirus is doing to the entire world. We will be in our hostels and wait for the next move” Mohamed said.
