Kabale University students riots of surcharge hike

Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Students at Kabale University have expressed their dissatisfaction with the sudden increase in surcharges imposed by the administration.

Until recently, students who delayed payment of tuition, retake fees, and other university dues were subject to a surcharge of 30,000 Shillings. However, the administration issued a statement last week, announcing an increase in the surcharge to 80,000 Shillings.

In response to this, a group of students staged a protest on Tuesday, marching through the university premises with placards that read, “Say No to Surcharge, we are poor.” The protest prompted a heavy deployment of anti-riot police, led by Goerge William Okello, the Officer-in-Charge of Kabale University Police Station. Concerned students, including Gilbert Sayuni and Denis Amanya, criticized the administration for raising surcharges without prior notice.

Winfred Namusoke, another concerned student, questioned the administration’s decision to increase surcharges without providing a clear justification. She called for the revocation of the surcharge increment.

Amos Tukamushaba, the Dean of Students, urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed.

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