Makerere University Halts Controversial 15% Cumulative Tuition Increment Policy

After rigorous and protracted negotiations between the 86^th Makerere Students’ Guild Leadership and the Makerere University Council, the controversial 15% Cumulative Tuition Increment Policy has been halted.

It will be recalled that the 86^th Makerere Students’ Guild Leadership, headed by the Guild President, His Excellency Ivan Ssempijja, made it one of the Leadership’s priority action points and a top-of-the-agenda undertaking, to challenge this rather controversial cumulative tuition policy. This success, in the words of Mr. Ivan Ssempijja, the Guild President, is largely attributed to the foundation laid by the 85^th Makerere Students’ Guild Leadership under the able leadership of Mr. Julius Kateregga (Guild President), and Mr. Ezra Byakutangaza (Guild Speaker).

To appreciate the developments hitherto, Professor Barnabus Nawangwe, The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, suspended the University Council’s Proposal to increase tuition by 45% and 91% in April 2018, pending consultations with the students’ leadership following two days of demonstration by students protesting the move.

Accordingly, a committee of seven students from the Guild Representative Council (then the 84^th Makerere Students’ Guild Leadership under the Leadership of Mr. Salim Papa Were), was formed to study the Council proposal and make own recommendations. After two months, the committee proposed a 15% cumulative increment but only for the new students.

The adoption of that 15% cumulative tuition increment attracted unprecedented controversy owing to the fact that many students at the University alleged that the policy was passed during the holidays and that they were not consulted on the increment. This particular policy similarly inspired a myriad of student strikes at the Hill and contributed significantly, to the instability at the University.

Through his official social media accounts, Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe, the University Vice Chancellor, has confirmed the resolution of the University Council to suspend the impugned 15% Cumulative Tuition Increment Policy. However, he has also been categorical and unequivocal that this suspension will only last for two years and that this move was motivated by the University Council’s desire to mitigate the economic burden on the students, parents and guardians orchestrated by the Corona virus pandemic. It is hoped that this policy will be fully and indefinitely suspended.