Fresh students, who have just been admitted at Kyambogo University for the 2021/2022 academic year, have been called upon to apply for the loans scheme even if the admission letters are not yet given out.
In an interview with this reporter, the University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, said students should not wait for the admission letters since no one is sure yet when those letters will be released.
A few days back, the office of the Academic Registrar of Kyambogo University, released a list of students admitted on the 2021/2022 direct Entry Scheme. Over 10,705 students have been admitted to different courses.
Professor Katunguka said students can use the admission list which has been published to apply for the loan scheme, adding that the copies have been given to the loans scheme management group.
“I want to encourage all students who would like to apply for the loan scheme, please go ahead and apply using their admission lists circulated,” Vice-Chancellor Katunguka said.
He further noted that now that the direct entry admission list is out, the management is going to work hard to release the admission list of diploma holders, who applied to do their degrees.
“This has delayed a little bit, but we are going to work hard to make sure that this is completed as soon as possible to enable students who want to apply for a loan scheme to apply, and we are trying hard to see that they will not miss on this opportunity,” he adds.
Last year in December, the government extended the application deadline for Study Loans to January 15, 2022, due to the disruption in the education sector by Covid-19. The move was meant to cater to Makerere, Lira, Soroti, Gulu, and Kyambogo universities that had not admitted students.
Students’ Loan Scheme is a fund from the Uganda Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) intended to provide financing to Ugandan students who have qualified for higher education in recognized institutions of higher learning but are unable to support themselves financially.
For a student to be eligible for the First Year Students’ Loan, should be a Ugandan Citizen, admitted to a Private Chartered University or Public University, or a listed Other Tertiary Institution in Uganda. Accreditation is by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
According to Dr. Anne Begumisa, the university academic registrar, in both semesters, the university has agreed to intensify online teaching and learning and hence will require all students to acquire relevant gadgets smartphones, laptops among others.
She further stresses that everyone should embrace the use of technology because open distance and e-learning are going to be the future of teaching and learning.
Kyambogo University fresh students will report on 5th February 2022 for semester one and end the semester on 8th May. Vice-Chancellor said, this has been approved by the University Senate and is intending to get in students early enough and reduce the waiting.
