Students ask for better living conditions at halls of residence

By Racheal Atuhaire

What began as an ordinary meeting between the Guild representatives and the Acting Director of
Students Affairs (DOSA), Ms Enid Ashaba Mugarura, turned into a discussion about the
residential challenges students at Uganda Christian University, particularly those of PDR and
Honours College are facing.

The Guild Members of Parliament representing residents presented a report detailing both
improvements and ongoing challenges in campus accommodation. The student leaders said that
while renovations have improved hygiene standards, many residents are still living in difficult
conditions.

Joseph Kalyango, Male MP for Residents, opened the discussion by explaining that the report
was based on concerns gathered directly from students.
“We are here to present the concerns of residents and propose possible solutions to improve their
living conditions,” he said.

Keith Kiirya, also Male MP for Residents, acknowledged that some progress had been made.
“There have been renovations in some residences, especially in the washrooms, and this has
helped to improve hygiene standards,” he said. “However, there are still serious challenges that
need immediate attention.”

Among the most pressing issues raised was the lack of furniture in PDR rooms.
“Many rooms do not have basic furniture such as tables, chairs, and mattresses. Students are
forced to spend extra money to furnish their rooms, which affects them financially and
academically,” Kalyango said.

For many students, this means studying from their beds, studying on the floor, or spending long
hours in the library because their rooms are not conducive for reading.

Gladys Achen, Female MP for Residents, spoke about the welfare of female students, saying that
accommodation challenges go beyond furniture and that students lack access to essential
services, and general welfare.

The report also highlighted ongoing water and electricity shortages at PDR and Ankrah Hill.
“Frequent power outages and water shortages disrupt students’ daily routines, from personal
hygiene to meal preparation and studying,” Kiirya noted.

In response to these challenges, student leaders proposed several recommendations, including
infrastructure improvements, quicker maintenance response, and the creation of a common room
at PDR by repurposing two ground-floor rooms.

Beyond accommodation and utilities, the leaders also emphasised the importance of student life
and community and more recreational activities, sports, and inter-residence events to improve
student engagement and wellbeing.

The DOSA, Ms Mugarura acknowledged the concerns raised and assured student leaders that the
issues would be reviewed.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by the student leaders and we are committed to looking into
these issues to improve the living conditions of our students,” she said.