Makerere University government sponsored students have tasked the administration to explain why they have not received food allowances since the restarting of the semester.
The restarting of the semester follows the President’s directives for closure of all learning institutions in March. The closure aimed at curbing the spread of the deadly covid-19 pandemic. Later in October the president directed for reopening of school for continuing students.
Government sponsored students are given Shs 765,000 every semester though for the past two years this money has been sent in halves.
Earlier in November the continuing students were welcomed back to sit for the end of semester two exams. However, these students have not received food allowances. And yesterday, they angrily gathered at the bursar’s office for answers. Students claimed that they are starving and highly pressed by hostel managers to complete accommodation fees.
“I have spent two days without eating any meals. I survive on water and dry hard corn. It gives me a lot of sensation while reading and the concentration is too low,” a student said.
The University bursar, Everest Beinomugisha said that they sent the money to various banks but there are some issues associated with the bank accounts of some students.
“We sent money for all continuing students to their respective banks but we had issues with errors on students’ account numbers. However, we are still handling the matter.” Beinomugisha said adding that “we changed the accounts officer of the University and issues of account errors sprung. But we promise to settle all these problems in the next semester.”
The hungry and angry students could not listen to the bursar instead of seeing messages on their accounts. They decided to force him to prove whether transactions were made however, he never responded.
“I cannot leave your office without my money otherwise I can cause a war here,” one student yelled.
