Makerere University has suspended the controversial 5% surcharge imposed on students who delay tuition payments, following concerns raised by the Students’ Guild over the financial pressure facing learners ahead of examinations.
The decision was communicated in a May 5 letter signed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sarah N. Ssali, after discussions within the university leadership.
The surcharge had been part of the university’s enforcement of its fees policy for Semester Two of the 2025/2026 academic year, requiring students with unpaid balances to incur an additional 5% penalty.
However, the policy attracted criticism from students, many of whom argued that the prevailing economic conditions had made it difficult for families and sponsors to clear tuition within the required timelines.
The pushback was formally led by the Students’ Guild under Guild President Gracious Kadondi, who petitioned the university management on April 21 requesting suspension of the surcharge and flexibility for financially struggling students.
In the petition, the Kadondi expressed concern over a directive issued by the Academic Registrar requiring strict compliance with tuition payments before examinations scheduled to begin on May 18. According to the Guild, many students were facing genuine financial hardships that could affect their academic progress if the surcharge and strict deadlines were maintained.
The Guild further warned that denying students examination access over delayed payments would increase anxiety and negatively disrupt studies at a critical academic period.
According to Prof. Sarah N. Ssali, following consultations, university management agreed to suspend all surcharges linked to late tuition payment and student registration for the current semester.
“All surcharges related to student registration and late payment of fees for the current semester, including the 5% surcharge on outstanding tuition balances, are hereby suspended with immediate effect,” Prof Ssali stated.
Despite this relief, the university maintained its long-standing policy requiring students to fully clear tuition before accessing examinations and other academic services.
Management rejected a proposal from the Guild seeking permission for students who had paid at least 60% of tuition to sit exams as they complete the balance later.
According to the university, full tuition clearance remains mandatory for:
- issuance of examination permits
- sitting examinations
- academic progression
- graduation processes
The university also clarified that students with unpaid balances from previous semesters will remain ineligible for examinations, transcripts, or graduation clearance until all dues are settled.
While acknowledging the financial challenges affecting many students, the university urged learners to take deliberate steps toward clearing outstanding balances in time.
