A delegation of Makerere University student leaders met the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, to present concerns affecting students’ welfare, dignity and academic experience.
Led by the Speaker of the Makerere University Guild, Mutatiina Trevis Muhwezi, the delegation called for government and parliamentary intervention in challenges related to student feeding and accommodation. The leaders noted that a government-sponsored student currently receives UGX 760,000 per semester. Of this amount, UGX 540,000 is allocated to feeding, translating into approximately UGX 4,500 per day.
The daily allocation provides UGX 500 for breakfast, UGX 2,000 for lunch and UGX 2,000 for supper. The delegation argued that this was insufficient to provide three adequate meals, particularly given the rising cost of living in Kampala.
After the feeding allocation is deducted, a student is left with UGX 220,000 for accommodation. The leaders said this presented a significant challenge, especially for government-sponsored students who do not reside in University halls and must secure accommodation around Makerere.
The delegation called for a comprehensive review of the feeding and accommodation allowances provided to government-sponsored students.
As an immediate measure, the leaders proposed increasing the feeding allowance to UGX 10,000 per day. They also proposed raising the accommodation component to UGX 760,000 per semester.
The student leaders further raised concerns about the shortage of residential facilities for female students at Makerere University.
They noted that female students constitute 51 per cent of the University’s student population but are served by only three halls of residence. According to the delegation, the limited residential space leaves many female students searching for accommodation outside the University. To help address the gap, the leaders proposed the construction of an additional female hall of residence. They suggested that the facility be named “Mama Janet Hall” in honour of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni.
The proposed hall was presented as a long-term measure to expand accommodation for female students and improve their university experience.
Speaker Oboth Oboth acknowledged the urgency of the concerns raised by the delegation. He indicated that the matters would be followed up and presented to Parliament’s Committee on Education for further consideration.
The engagement gave the student leaders an opportunity to present students’ experiences directly to national decision-makers. The delegation reaffirmed its responsibility to represent the voices, daily realities and aspirations of Makerere University students wherever decisions affecting their education and welfare are made.
The meeting formed part of the Guild leadership’s efforts to advocate for adequate feeding, affordable accommodation and a more supportive learning environment for students.
