Makerere university students have demonstrated against increment of the graduation fee from Shs. 90,000 to Shs. 220,000.

At about 8am today, students had gathered at the university's freedom square, from their different halls of residence and lecture rooms. 

The rioters looted property including vehicle under the registration number UAK 129L, which had its windscreen destroyed. The window of the book bank, at the department of journalism and communication was destroyed.

At about 11am, the police started firing teargas, to disperse the students who had gathered at the university's freedom square.

A student only known by the name Abraham was short on the stomach, was shot by a rubber bullet, and got a minor injury on his stomach.

According to the  Guild President Mr Bowe Ivan, the students' guild did not receive a formal communication from the university about the graduation fees increment. 

"The increment is unlawful. The guild council did not receive any minute from the university council, indicating that graduation fees were going to be increased by such a huge amount,” Bwowe said.

The guild information minister Byamaka Musa said, the university should communicate the reasons why they decided to increase graduation fees by such a big difference. Byamaka said the university does not communicate to the students in case of any changes in policies

“We only get to find out about some of these issues after they have already been passed into policies. I think the university administration should make use of the guild, which is represented at the university council,” Byamaka said.

Samuel Omara, the senior superintendent of police, in charge of operations was opposed to increment.

“Why should Makerere continue to increase fees, yet other universities are silent?” he said.

He however urged students to hold dialogue with the university council, other than rioting. “War should not be a priority. Students should consider dialogue first,” he added.

The increment was also opposed by some members of the university administration. Prof. Tanga Odoi, the former chairperson of MUASA, said that it is very unfair to increase graduation fees from 90,000 to 220,000, yet other increments were 10%.

“The University Council should consider a 10% increment, in case they wish to make any changes. The increment should be fair for both students and parents. It should be gradual,” Odoi said

He however discouraged students from striking. “Students should petition the university council, through the students guild, since it represents them on the university council.” He said.