The Guild Representative Council for the School of Law, Marion Kirabo has apologized to the students community over the approval of a 15% increase in tuition fees. During a panel discussion at the Main Hall over the fees increase, Kirabo said she regrets having failed to allow the voices of the students be heard on the matter of fees increment.

“I tried what I could to make sure I get the consultative voice of the students in but I failed, that is one of the reasons I resigned because I failed to execute my mandate as a member of the committee,” said Kirabo. She admitted that seven-man committee report was one sided and was presented to the University Council before it was propoerly debated by the Guild Council.

Kirabo told participants at the consultative panel discussion organized by the Debating Club that the seven-man committee was chosen to consult the students to find a permanent solution to the financial problems and they suggested the 15% annual increment in tuition. This was meant to help the university recover from its financial crisis including the current Shs 6.4 billion debt.

Joseph Muwanguzi, a second year student at the School of Statistics suggested that if the students were involved, the committee would have found solutions like clearing the issues of management and accountability of university funds among other solutions to solve the financial problems of the university other than the 15% annual tuition increment.

“If computed, the student admitted to the university in the fifth year from now (2022) will have to pay 75% increment in tuition which is too high for an ordinary student. One therefore one can regard it a move to deny poor students a chance to join Makerere University,” said Esther Makula, a 2nd year student pursuing Bachelor of Journalism and Communication.

With effect from Academic Year 2018/19, students are required to pay a 15% increment in the tuition fees. The decision was reached after the seven meber committee of the guild approved the proposal. A section of students however are opposing the policy, saying not enough consultation was done before its passing.