By Gift Kalikulali
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has launched a tuition run aimed at raising funds to support students who struggle to clear their tuition balances and risk being unable to complete their studies.
The run launched on Thursday during the Community Worship service, with students and staff encouraged to contribute to help colleagues facing financial challenges.
Speaking during the launch, UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, said the university receives students with outstanding tuition balances, especially during examination periods.
Mugawe said some students have balances of Shs300,000 or Shs500,000, while others may only need Shs100,000 to complete their payments but fail to find someone to support them.
He said the tuition run is intended to give the university community an opportunity to come together and help such students complete their education.
“Your contribution towards this is not only for the run, but also a contribution that one of us who is in need is going to be assisted to complete their education here at UCU,” Mugawe said.
He thanked the Guild government and the Guild Prime Minister for starting the initiative, saying it demonstrates love and concern for members of the university community.
Mugawe called on students and staff to participate in the initiative, even if they cannot take part in the actual run.
He said participants can buy a T-shirt, a full kit, a bib or simply contribute any amount they can afford.
A full kit costs Shs50,000, while a T-shirt costs Shs30,000 and a bib costs Shs20,000.
“You can buy one for yourself, you can buy one for your friend, for your neighbour, and also for those that need it,” he said.
Mugawe also announced that his office would take 20 kits towards the initiative and urged the university community to respond to the call.
The tuition run now gives the UCU community an opportunity to turn that spirit of unity into practical support for students who may need only a small amount to remain in school and complete their education.
