Living out allowance (LA), the facilitation money from government, aroused strong emotions among the government sponsored students after they received unrealistic amounts. The students, who have been making big plans for the cash, got shocked when they received “miscalculated” amounts on their bank accounts.
The students blamed it on the administration and their Umbrella association, Government Sponsored Students Association (GUGOSSA) for the persistence chronic reductions in their amounts despite efforts to claim for increment in the allowances amidst the increasing cost of living around the University. The students are entitled to 6,000/= per weekday and 5000/= on a day of weekend but the calculations couldn’t add up.
Following the rampant strikes over these allowances, university agreed to give lump sum for 2-3 months. Today students got shocked when they received less than usual amounts. “I don’t understand how these guys calculate our money. This university is encroaching on us, it seems they used our money to pay lectures”, one student wrote.
The chairperson GUGOSSA and Government Sponsored student’s Representative to Guild, Mr Kiragga Abdul, called on students to be calm as he looks into matter. “I was there when lists for payments were drawn at offices and I saw the amount. I will go to the bank to inquire why money is less”, Mr Kiragga added. The students insist that deposits, in banks, are free and keep asking why the bank would deduct their money.
By Ayebazibwe Ambrose
