The issue of delayed food and living allowances for government-sponsored students at Makerere University is set to be resolved.
This follows recent engagements between the Makerere University Government Students’ Association (MUGOSA) and the Ministry of Finance.
MUGOSA President Lilian Akello has confirmed that the Ministry has committed to disbursing UGX 8.85 billion to cover the outstanding allowances, after a series of appeals by student leaders to address the urgent financial challenges facing their peers.
In a recent update, Akello clarified that during their discussions with the Minister of State for Finance in Charge of General Duties, the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, and other officials, it emerged that the University’s request for a supplementary budget was received by the Ministry later than initially indicated by university management.
As a result, university management currently lacks the funds needed to immediately release the allowances, which has added to students’ frustrations and financial hardships.
Despite this delay, the Ministry has now committed to providing the necessary funds within two weeks. According to MUGOSA, students should expect to receive their allowances by the end of this period.
In her message to students, Akello called for patience, reassuring them that the association would continue monitoring the process to ensure timely disbursement.
The delayed allowances have had significant effects with some students reportedly facing eviction from hostels, fainting from hunger, including one case at the Senate building that required emergency medical intervention.
