Makerere University administration has barred over 1,000 students from sitting for the end of semester exams after failing to complete tuition.

The examinations kicked off on December 30^th,  leaving several students stranded after they were blocked from entering examination rooms. All students were required to submit examination permits or financial statements indicating 100% tuition payment.

 The university Spokesperson, Ritah Namisango, in a statement released to the media on Monday morning, said that over 1,000 students still owe the institution Shs 12 billion, and have failed to clear the colossal amount since the semester commenced in late August.

"When students fail to pay tuition within the stipulated timeline, it affects service delivery," Namisango said. She also said that the defaulters have been fully enjoying services by the university for four months without pay adding: "staff arrears have not been fully cleared because of students failure to clear tuition."

Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, the university Vice Chancellor confirmed the university’s stand.

"No student will sit for an exam while with fees balance, and examination permits are issued to only those who have fully cleared," Prof Ddumba clarified.

HISTORY

Earlier in August, Students protested against the 100% tuition policy, staging a 3-days strike that saw the university temporarily suspend the policy up to the twelfth week of the semester. The policy required students to have cleared 100% tuition by the sixth week.

Makerere university is currently going through a financial crisis with teaching staff still demanding salaries of the previous two months. Prof Ddumba Sentamu said this will be cleared by December 5, 2015.

The examination period kicked off on Monday December 1, and will end on 19th the same month