Benjamin Akiso, the recently expelled Guild President of Kyambogo University, says his only wrongdoing was standing up for students who couldn’t afford full tuition fees. His removal from office, confirmed in a letter dated July 3, 2025, has sparked national outrage and ignited debate about student rights and the limits of university authority.
“My crime was fighting for poor students who couldn’t afford full fees,” Akiso said in a statement following his expulsion. “I stand by my actions because education should be accessible to all.”
The university, however, sees things differently. In the expulsion letter, Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka accused Akiso of violating university regulations, including disturbing the peace, setting up roadblocks, and acting with insubordination during a recent wave of student protests.
Akiso, who is also the National Unity Platform (NUP)’s Head of Institutions, had been pushing for the university to allow students who had paid 70% of their tuition to sit for exams. He also led calls to scrap a UGX 50,000 penalty fee imposed on late payers—a demand that resonated with many students struggling under rising financial pressure.
The university’s response has drawn heavy criticism from across the political spectrum. Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister of State for Northern Uganda, condemned the decision, saying Kyambogo University had missed a chance to guide, not punish, student leadership.
“This young man needs mentorship, not condemnation,” Omona said. “It’s your duty to mould our youth into useful citizens, not to deny them such opportunities. Forgive him.”
He also challenged the logic of strict rule enforcement without regard for fairness. “Before the laws were written, we had logic,” the minister said. “When rules and laws confuse us, we use logic. What should a young man like Akiso do for his future? As long as he is our citizen, he is our responsibility.”
Critics say Akiso’s expulsion signals a growing intolerance for student activism. Supporters argue that rather than breaching peace, he was exercising leadership by speaking up for underprivileged students—something universities should encourage, not punish.
Akiso’s future remains uncertain, but his message is unwavering: “I will not apologize for standing up for those who cannot afford to stay silent.”
