The students, who were carrying placards reading Tuition must be decreased, disclosed that that early this month, the university administration increased tuition by 30 per cent on top of scrapping of bursaries and scholarships to needy students without their knowledge.
Students of Uganda Pentecostal University – UPU, Fort Portal Campus have protested against fees increment.
On Wednesday, the students, who were carrying placards reading “Tuition must be decreased”, disclosed that that early this month, the university administration increased tuition by 30 per cent and scrapped the bursary programme for needy students.
Steven Tembo, a student pursuing Diploma in Secondary Education, says that the tuition has increased from 800,000 to 1,040,000 shillings.
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However, Mike Aleta, the Deputy Academic Registrar, says that they were forced to increase the tuition due the financial constraints the university is facing. He explains that they are unable to pay utility bills and rent to Tooro Kingdom.
The University is currently renting a section of the Tooro Kingdom Administrative building at Mucwa, Fort Portal Municipality.
During the protest, Tooro Kingdom Royal Guards dispersed the rowdy students who were threatening to destroy property.
Sylvia Kugonza
Freelancer