KAMPALA – A total of 20 students of Makerere University were arrested on Tuesday for protesting against the 15 percent cumulative tuition increment policy.
The female students who were led by their Vice President, Ms Judith Nalukwago, were trying to match to the president office to deliver their petition, seeking to halt the policy.
They also carried placards, opposing the policy.
“This university is for poor students. Those who increased the tuition have their children studying outside this country. Some of us are here selling our bodies to get tuition. Mr President we are your Bazukkulu. Please halt this policy and relieve us from selling our bodies,” Ms Nalukwago said.
However, they were intercepted outside the university gate by military and police and were arrested. The students were taken to Wandegeya Police Station. Later, some other students were also arrested for storming Wandegeya Police Station, seeking the release of their colleagues.
The university council last year approved the cumulative increment for five years. After five years, each student will be required to pay 75 percent more.
However, Makerere University Vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said the students should stop de- campaigning the tuition policy at this time because it was approved by the university council.
“Tell those few student de-campaigning the policy at this time to stop because it was approved by the university council. They should not use that method they are using,” Prof Nawangwe said in telephone interview.
