A tragic and shocking event has brought attention to the severe hunger crisis facing Ugandan university students. This week, a Kyambogo University student was found dead in her dorm room, reportedly succumbing to hunger-related complications. The heartbreaking incident has sparked outrage and calls for urgent action to address the worsening conditions of food insecurity among students across Uganda’s higher education institutions.
The unnamed student’s death comes amidst growing reports of widespread hunger, malnutrition, and deteriorating health among students, particularly at Makerere University and Kyambogo University. Many students—primarily those on government sponsorships—are struggling to afford basic meals. According to recent social media posts from students and alumni, the issue is compounded by financial hardships and rising living costs, leaving the majority unable to secure proper nutrition. Some reports indicate that as many as 95% of students at Makerere are regularly skipping meals due to financial constraints.
This tragic death has drawn increased attention to what students and advocates call “Black November,” a particularly difficult time in the academic calendar when students are faced with both final exams and severe food insecurity. With mounting stress, many students are left without adequate sustenance, leading to deteriorating health conditions, including chronic fatigue, abdominal ulcers, and in some cases, death.
Kamugira Mucunguzi, a former student of Makerere University, shared a distressing story about a friend from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) who nearly died from starvation last year. “He survived on leftover popcorn,” Mucunguzi wrote, explaining that the friend ultimately reached out for help when he could no longer endure the hunger. Stories like these are becoming alarmingly common, with students often relying on friends or meager donations to make it through the month.
Financial Hardships and Government Inaction
The majority of students facing hunger are those on government scholarships, who receive allowances that barely cover basic expenses. Many are left to fend for themselves, living on minimal food intake or skipping meals altogether. The growing prevalence of hunger among students has led critics to question the government’s priorities, especially as officials have yet to respond to what many now see as a campus-wide humanitarian emergency.
Some speculate that the government’s inaction may stem from a perception that these students are more likely to support opposition parties, leading to an indifference toward their needs. This sentiment has been echoed in online discussions, with some alleging that government support for these students is stifled by political factors.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
In the wake of the Kyambogo student’s death, calls for intervention have intensified. Activists, NGOs, and concerned citizens are urging the government and private sector to step in and provide emergency food relief and support systems for struggling students. Student leaders have tagged prominent figures and organizations on social media, including activist and pastor Martin Ssempa, hoping to raise awareness and garner support.
Without swift action, advocates warn, more students could face dire consequences as Uganda’s campus hunger crisis continues to deepen. For students in November’s academic crunch, food insecurity only adds to their burden, turning what should be a time of learning and growth into one of struggle and survival.
