By Asenath Were
Uganda Christian University (UCU)’s 24th guild government ministry of education and the Financial Aids office have come together to help top up students with tuition challenges.
The university administration through the 24th guild government and Financial Aid have relaunched saving a buddy program, where struggling students are required to submit their application forms which will be based on the proper and efficient distribution of these funds.
According to Aman Sabiti the deputy speaker of the guild government, some students pay their own fees, yet they are expected to be in class. “others have parents and they pay tuition but they maybe get challenges and cannot complete the fees,” added Aman.
He went on to say that the save a buddy comes in to give these people a hand.
Walter Washika the manager of the Financial Aids office said that the program has been around but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has not been executed for the last two years.
This initiative is there to raise funds/tuition to support some of the needy students at UCU’s Main Campus.
“The number of students who will benefit from this program will depend on how much money is got from the fundraising program and we give a maximum of sh. 200000 for each student under this program.” Said Walter Wahika.
An internal memo released on Monday 15th March 2022 informed the students that the application forms are out and ready for pickup at the financial aids office plus the UCU website for any student in need.
However, there are specific guidelines that will be based for any student to be counted legible for this cause some of which include,
One does not benefit from this scheme if their balance exceeds sh.200,000. Students on other forms of established scholarships do not qualify, if found will face disciplinary action for taking a scholarship under false pretenses.
Those students whose balances exceed the limit (200,000) must continually update the office before April 1st,2022 because no scholarship will be issued after that.
A fundraising program is therefore in progress and will run for two weeks from 21st /03/2022-1st /04/2022. Fundraising boxes will be placed at different designated collection points within the University for anyone willing to support this cause to drop their donations.
This campaign happens every semester under the simple ideology: “If many people give a little, the little becomes a lot.”
Fueled by one of us, a student who saw the need to help the needy students at Uganda Christian University to raise money and top up on their pending tuition, it has therefore been followed through up to date.
Therefore, the community of Uganda Christian University is implored to give and cater for the needy within.
On that note, whoever wants to pledge a specific amount to this cause, commitment forms have been availed at the Aids Office but you can also pay directly to SAVE A BUDDY account through cash payments at the accounts office.
For more information, please contact Financial Aids Office, Mackay Building-tell: Ext: 447/449
The 24th guild government annual run conducted on 25 March 2022 was one of the campaigns carried out for the “save a buddy” program at Uganda Christian University on top of other campaigns for example the save a buddy campaign.
This campaign included placing boxes at different locations where people would drop in whatever they could while others pledged to give a certain amount of money, they wish to give through the financial aids office.
According to Brian Muhereza the sports minister,101 students picked applications for the cause but only 61 applications were brought back. Sh. 200000 had been budgeted for every student whose application would be considered.
“Initially, only 30 people were to be considered but by God’s grace, enough money was collected to cater for 50 students.” He said.
He also added that the remaining money will be carried into the May and Advent semesters so as to cater to those in need. “More campaigns like the sh. 1000 campaign will also be conducted to help raise more money for the students in need in the next two-semester.” Said Brian.
According to the finance minister, the exact amount of money collected from the 24th guild annual run is not yet certain as more contributions are still coming in but he promised to let the public know as soon as everything gets settled.
Lawrence Kayovu a science, economics and statistics student in year three said he is grateful that the guild fund has been able to bring back the hope of seating for his exams and he wishes to encourage that the same arrangement should continue because it is very helpful to students.
In the same spirit, Benito Namiro a Law student in year three thanked all those who contributed to her and those who are still contributing to her tuition.
“I am humbly thanking you for your support and standing with me towards my cause.” She said.
