The development comes a few days after President Yoweri Museveni allowed all educational institutions in the country to open their gates for final year students both at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Makerere University guild leadership is up in arms following communication issued by the warden of Livingstone hall asking all continuing students to vacate their rooms. The letter dated May 25, 2020, notes that the move is intended to create space for finalist government-nonresident students.
“This is to inform all non-finalist resident students who left their property to remove their belonging,” the notice reads in part.
The development comes a few days after President Yoweri Museveni allowed all educational institutions in the country to open their gates for final year students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Julius Kateregga, the Makerere University Guild President, notes that the decision taken by the authorities is ‘rushed, mean and afterthought. Kateregga argues that nearly all students left their property in halls given the fact that the president had indicated that educational institutions would resume operations after 32 days.
“We are still puzzled about this decision. Most students returned to their respective homes. So does this suggest that they should travel from wherever they are to come for their property?” Kateregga wondered.
He also pointed out the communication isn’t clear on the status of international students in both Africa and Livingstone Halls. Students from other halls are equally puzzled on what will happen at their respective halls of residence.
Elvis Omoit, the Chairperson Lumumba hall, says the document caused panic among students, adding that many have been calling him to ascertain what will happen to their property.
“Every student regardless of his or her hall, have been wondering what is happening. I think this is not a wise move and let me hope that management reconsiders it and gets a better plan,” Omoit said.
A source at the university intimated to our reporter that the university management has mooted an idea of hosting all willing government-sponsored finalists to ensure that they are not disrupted with the curfew.
Cyriaco Kabagambe, the Dean of Students notes that the statement was released prematurely as the university management had not issued a road map for reopening.
“Disregard that communication. (the university) management is currently designing a plan to see how student’s accommodation will be handled among other issues,” Kabagambe said.
As universities and other educational institutions move to reopen, possibly next week, several things need to be put into consideration to aid the smooth running of activities.
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