Gulu University administration has issued a warning against a planned “Black Monday” protest for today, November 11, 2024, following student unrest over new tuition payment policies that restrict university facility access to fully registered students only.
The warning comes amid tragic incidents involving students’ tuition fees, including a death by suicide of a first-year Education student on October 1 after losing money to mobile money fraudsters.
In a separate incident, another student was hospitalized after fainting, with reports indicating 1.5 million shillings in tuition fees was stolen from their hostel.
“It is disheartening to note that some students have not enrolled since the academic year began in August even when enrollment is free of charge,” stated Ms. Felista Auma, Assistant Communications Officer, in the press release.
The administration emphasized that extreme cases are being handled individually through the Vice Chancellor’s office, making the planned boycott unnecessary.
Students have been directed to channel any grievances through their leadership and the Dean of Students’ office, with the administration warning that demonstrations will be met with “stern action within the law.”
The university also called on parents to clear fees promptly and advised students against keeping large sums of money in hostels, as part of measures to prevent further incidents of financial loss and related mental health issues.
