The Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has held on to a policy of aiding only first-year students.
HESFB recently suspended study loans for second, third and fourth-year students in all universities and tertiary institutions across the country, citing financial constraints.
According to Michael Wanyama, the executive director of the board, the suspension will hold until the board gets the money.
He added that for now, they are only sponsoring first-year students.
The board is seeking to resume funding for continuing students and seeks Shs4.5b to sponsor at least 1,000 continuing students in the 2023/2024 financial year.
If the government provides the fund, a total of 2,500 (1,000 continuing and 1,500 first year students) will be sponsored this academic year which kicks off in August.
At the moment, many students have been left in dismay as the current condition frustrates their efforts to progress with studies.
It is no surprise that student leaders across universities have protested the decision by the government to suspend some of the higher education loan scheme programs.
Makerere University Guild president Allionzi Dangote has come out to condemn the arrangement stating that the suspension could adversely affect higher education completion rates in the country.
“We urge the government to reverse the decision and instead think about increasing the numbers on the scheme,” Dangote remarked.
To qualify for the loan, one must be a Ugandan and must demonstrate that they are needy and cannot afford to pay for their education at the institution where they have been admitted.
The students’ loan covers tuition fees, research fees and aids and appliances for PWDs.
