Final year students at the Banda based Kyambogo University are stranded as hostels levy unimaginable amounts for the reopening. Some hostels have gone ahead to inform these students that no one will be allowed to enter into their gates before the whole stipulated amount is paid for.
According to a letter dated 12th October 2020, the Vice-Chancellor says that meetings were held on 11th and 12 October between the University administration and Hostel and Rental owners after listening to the cry out of parents from different Whatsapp groups.
In the same letter, he says the meetings resolved that no hostel would charge beyond 200,000 Uganda Shillings for the reopening.
News reaching our Hive, however, indicates that some hostels are demanding up to over 500,000 Uganda Shillings from the reporting students.
“The hostel owner told me that I cannot enter the hostel before paying 400,000 shillings. I had completed all my hostel dues last semester and I don’t know what I’m going to do now.” Revealed Arnold, who resides at one of the hostels near campus.
There are even hostels charging over 500,000 Uganda shillings yet the students have to pay for electricity bills and water. This is supposed to be paid for only one month that the finalists will be at the University.
“My custodian says that if I cannot manage the charges, I should look for another hostel because there are many students who are willing to pay.” said another student.
These finalists are still stranded on how to approach this situation as reopening days draw closer. The University set 17th October as the reopening date for final year students where they will go to finalize their final semester which was halted in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
They, therefore, reached to us as one way of reaching out to the leaders to get involved in their matter.
There are however hostels that have followed the University guidelines and have charged an understandable amount for the reopening. A case in point is Safco Hostel Services that added only 60,000 shillings to their students for the reopening.
