Kyambogo University joins the ranks of higher learning institutions across Uganda in announcing alterations to its academic schedule in response to the upcoming national census. Following a directive from the Ministry of Education, the university will temporarily halt its semester activities to facilitate the census exercise scheduled for May 9th and 10th, 2024.
In a statement issued last weekend, Vice Chancellor Elly Katunguka communicated the decision to both lecturers and students. According to the revised calendar, the university will be closed on May 9th and 10th to accommodate students wishing to travel home for the census.
For those students opting to remain on campus, the Vice Chancellor assured that they would be counted at their place of residence on the night of May 9th. Importantly, the semester will resume its planned progression, with end-of-semester examinations set to commence on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024.
This adjustment comes in the wake of a directive from the Ministry of Education issued on November 8th, 2023, mandating the closure of all educational institutions for the national population headcount. The aim of this directive is to ensure widespread student participation in the census, providing crucial data for government policy planning and implementation.
The timing of the announcement, however, raised concerns as it coincided with the end-of-semester examination period for many universities. In response, institutions like Makerere University adjusted their academic calendars to accommodate the census break, rescheduling examinations to start on May 21st and conclude on June 11th, 2024.
Kyambogo University, initially undecided, convened a senate meeting to deliberate on adjustments, ultimately confirming the decision last weekend. The university hopes that this adjustment strikes a balance, ensuring student involvement in the census while minimizing disruption to the academic calendar.
