By Aulah Najjuuka
Students at Uganda Christian University are grappling with a recent increment in the fees for halls of residence. The adjustment affects various accommodation facilities including; Sabiti Hall, the main residence for female students; Little Angels Hostel which serves as an annex; Nsibambi Hall, the primary male residence; and the Ankrah Foundation premises, commonly referred to as PDR, which includes Kodwo and Maxime Hostels, also managed by the university.
Previously, the fee for ordinary rooms stood at UGX 550,000 but has now been increased to UGX 650,000. Similarly, the cost for double rooms has risen from UGX 650,000 to UGX 850,000. Residence fees are always paid with meal fees in what is termed as” board fees”. The meal fee is a static UGX 1,000,000 for all students residing in the university ‘s halls of residence. The university provides nutritious meals inclusive of breakfast, lunch and supper. Students in hostels close to the university can also pay for the meals even when they are not hall residents.
Mixed reactions from students
Rebecca Nakyobe, a third-year law student, believes the increment is justified. “I am okay with the hall fees’ increment because the renovations are necessary. The improvements cannot be done without enough finances,” she remarked.
However, Peter Mugisha, a second-year student of business, expressed frustration over the increased fees. “The economy is already tough, and it is unfair to increase hall fees at this time. Many students are struggling, and this only makes things worse,” he lamented.
University’s justification for the increment
According to the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) Ms Pamela Tumwebaze, the decision to raise accommodation fees was made by the university council and not by an individual. “Tuition and hall fees are a university council issue, not a one-man decision,” she stated.
Tumwebaze further explained that the primary reason for the increment is the planned renovations and improvements in the halls of residence. “The changes and renovations that are going to take place in the different halls of residence necessitate additional funding. This is to ensure better living conditions for students,” she added.
Compared to most hostels around the university, the halls fees are lower as many hostels charge between UGX 700,000 to UGX 1,000,000 and yet they do not come with any meals. This is the first time the university is raising the hall fees ever since the university returned to normal activities since the pandemic brought on by COVID-19 in 2020.
Florence Birunji the custodian of Sabiti Hall says that the students complaining about the hall fees increment, should try and understand the university’s decision to do so because administration isn’t expected to renovate and maintain halls without extra finances. “ Students should understand that the increment was necessary for the renovations they keep asking for to take place,” she added.
