Surcharges to be Removed, Late Registration Fee Proposed – Kabale University Announces

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KABALE – Following the students protest at Kabale University, triggered by what they perceived as an abrupt surge in surcharges from 30,000 to 80,000 Ugandan shillings, University authorities have responded by asserting that the two consequential surcharges align with the fee payment guidelines outlined in the students’ manuals of 2021 and 2023.

Kabale University situated in South western Uganda, Kabale District attained public university status in 2015.

The students contended that the surcharge increase, seemingly without justification, had been a lingering concern. Despite being a public university with relatively high fees, they argued that the services provided were of substandard quality.

Expressing their frustration, the students called on the university administration to actively seek solutions to alleviate the burden of surcharges.

In a letter dated October 24, 2023, addressed to the Students Guild President-Elect, Speaker, Guild Representative Council, course coordinators, and the student community, Prof Joy Constance Kwesiga, the University Vice Chancellor, announced that the University Senate has recommended the removal of surcharges due to late payment of fees.

However, Prof Kwesiga emphasized that surcharges will be replaced with a late registration fee of Ugx 50,000 per semester.

“For each semester, every student must register to allow for planning and student tracking. The recommendation is to be presented to the University Council for approval in its next scheduled meeting,” Prof Kwesiga stated.

Godfrey Sempungu, the University Senior Branding and Communications Officer, told our reporter that following the students’ protest, members of the University’s top management engaged in a meeting with some student leaders. Sempungu revealed that the meeting discovered both truths and falsehoods in the students’ demands.

He clarified that university activities continued as usual, refuting rumors that physical and online lectures had been boycotted, which he deemed false.

CUE IN SEMPUNGU….ON THE MATTER…..LUG/ENG//