Last week, a number of students from Makerere University Business School(MUBS) started a movement on Twitter with the hash tag #MubsCryOut, to protest what they termed as unjustified increase of hostel fees by almost all the hostels around the school. The movement was spearheaded by MUBS students on Twitter that included @ugawoman1 and @IgumiraB.
And well, as it stands, it looks like their efforts are starting to payoff. In a letter dated 7th May, 2019, Mr Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, the Mayor of Nakawa Division in Kampala sent a letter to the Guild President of MUBS, Mr Romulus Tusingwire, informing him of a meeting with the hostel owners. The meeting is to be held at Kiswa Community Hall on Friday 10th May, 2019 at 2:30pm.
According to a reliable source, the letter was sent as a reply to the Mr Tusingwire’s request for help from the Mayor’s office. It should be noted that the guild president encouraged students affected by the hostel fee increments to share ideas and find solutions.
In the letter, the Mayor emphasizes that the increment of hostel fees negatively impacts the academic welfare of the students.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Town Clerk – Nakawa Division, Principal – MUBS, Dean of Students – MUBS , all hostel owners, Officer in charge – MUBS police station, Local council chairpersons of Mbuya 1 and 2 and the Custodian – Mbuya Community Hall.
It should be noted that the fee increments were so ridiculous that the fees for having a fridge in a room (shs 200,000) when computed, one needed just two semesters to buy a new fridge.
