Kyambogo students strike over fees increment

Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka issued a warning to student leadership over alleged tuition fee hikes at Kyambogo University
Guild President Mwebesa Reagan claimed the university had increased tuition and other fees by 50% and urged students to boycott university activities
Prof. Katunguka refuted the allegations in a tweet, stating that there were moderate fee increments in specific faculties and that student representatives were involved in the decision-making process

In response to growing tensions over alleged tuition fee hikes at Kyambogo University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka has issued a firm warning to the student leadership. The controversy began with a letter from Guild President Mwebesa Reagan, dated July 23, 2024, claiming that the university had increased tuition and other fees by 50%, with some increments surpassing this percentage. Reagan's letter also accused the university management of closing student portals unfairly and called for a strike, urging students not to attend lectures or any university programs until the administration reversed the so-called "unfair decisions."

Prof. Katunguka quickly refuted these allegations in a tweet, stating, “This is to inform all Kyambogo University stakeholders that there was no 50% increment in tuition fees as alleged by the Guild President Mr. Mwebesa Reagan. There were moderate increments in the School of Management and Entrepreneurship and one program in Social Sciences. Be informed that the university charges the least fees compared to other institutions.”

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To further clarify the situation, Prof. Katunguka sent out an official letter detailing the changes in tuition fees. According to the letter, the adjustments were made after thorough review and consultation, and they were deemed moderate. The changes are set to take effect in the 2024/2025 academic year and will only impact first-year students. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the University Council had approved these changes after an exhaustive discussion in a meeting held on April 27, 2023.

Prof. Katunguka also pointed out that students are represented in both the Council and Senate, implying that the student leadership had been informed and consulted during the decision-making process. He stressed that the increment was not across the board but specific to certain faculties, including the School of Management and Entrepreneurship and the Built Environment. The Vice Chancellor assured students that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure that teaching and learning continued without interruption.

In contrast, Guild President Reagan's letter painted a different picture. It suggested that the fee increments were not only significant but also imposed without proper consultation. Reagan declared that these actions were illegal and called for a boycott of all university activities. He urged students to stay home or in their hostels until the university premises were deemed safe and accommodating for learning and other activities. The letter also contained a warning that students who did not adhere to the boycott would be treated as "Enemies of the General student population."

Prof. Katunguka's communication called for a more constructive approach to resolving the issues. He encouraged student leaders to engage with the university management to find a lasting solution to any grievances affecting student welfare. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of peace and stability on campus, noting that the core function of the university is to provide an uninterrupted learning experience.