The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University has responded to recent allegations of student hunger on campus, calling claims made by prominent Ugandan opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine “blatant lies.” The two leaders had recently highlighted a purported crisis affecting government-sponsored students, suggesting that many students are struggling with hunger and resorting to begging in the surrounding Banda area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Vice Chancellor asserted that the university has provided all necessary allowances to government-sponsored students, dismissing the claims of a hunger crisis as “propaganda and misinformation” driven by political motivations. “All government students have been paid all their allowances due to them,” the Vice Chancellor stated, adding that the university administration is disheartened by what it perceives as an attempt to politicize the welfare of students and mislead the public.
The claims, which were circulated on social media by Dr. Besigye and Bobi Wine, depict a grim situation for some Kyambogo students allegedly struggling with food insecurity. According to these posts, government-sponsored students have been forced to skip meals and, in some cases, resort to begging due to rising costs of living and insufficient financial support.
Opposition leaders argue that these students are often overlooked, particularly when it comes to support beyond tuition fees, such as food and living stipends. They say that the rising cost of food and supplies in the city has exacerbated student hardship, creating a silent crisis that needs urgent attention.
Dr. Besigye, a seasoned opposition figure, described the situation as a “humanitarian crisis on campus” and urged the government to address the issue directly. Bobi Wine echoed these concerns, calling for greater support to ensure that students can focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs like food.
In response, the university administration maintains that all financial obligations to government-sponsored students have been met. According to the Vice Chancellor, allowances are disbursed promptly and are sufficient to cover students’ basic needs, refuting any claims that students are forced to rely on handouts or face food insecurity.
