Universities and other Post Secondary institutions reopened for physical classes today November 1, as per the Presidential directive.
The legendary opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) however expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the resumption was planned for by the Ministry.
“We welcome the re-opening of universities, the Minister of Education and her team must be in the field identifying problems and providing solutions. We hope the inaccessible and very busy wife of the president will juggle her duties as the first lady and Education Minister find time to attend the opening Institutions. It’s clear that there is no plan,” FDC spokesperson Ssemujju Nganda told media.
Some students were denied access to University (e.g Kyambogo) premises if they didn’t have vaccination cards. Others are unable to afford the tuition fees given the economic slowdown during lockdown.
“What Museveni and his wife are doing is just announcing dates. President Museveni and his wife should release a detailed plan of helping students from poor families with tuition,” Ssemujju advised.
The blue party comrade went on to express empathy towards the many students affected by strict university policies demanding for full pay of tuition.
“Usually, universities demand full payments before exams. That rigid policy can’t work in this covid -19 situation. The minister of Education can use the budget that has been allocated to the ministry in the last two years of lockdown to help parents. Parents who pay fees must be fully briefed,” he added.
Activists and politicians continue seeking for education reforms even when the authorities remain too tight-lipped to respond. The Education Ministry is yet to comment on FDC’s pinpoint.
