MUK ADMINISTRATORS SPEAK OUT ON FEES MATTER

MAKERERE ADMINISTRATORS SPEAK OUT ON FEES MATTER
By Robert Owiny 17/9/2008
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Makerere university private students pay the lowest tuition fees compared to all other private institutions in the country, Mathew Rukikaire, the chairman university council has said.

Addressing students’ leaders on the current financial status of the institution yesterday, Rukikaire observed that Makerere lectures are fully paid by the government, not like those in private universities who have to be paid using fees collections from the students.

He noted that the present financial crisis at the university emanates from the global economic inflation, which has affected every sector, adding that unless government improves on income generating activities which can help parents get enough money, students’ complaints are in vain.

“You are arguing about the fees you pay, but people after you will pay more than you are paying. This is a fact of life, the private students will continue paying more money, the money you pay is pea nut compared to fees for other universities like Mukono,” he said.

Rukikaire who is also a former minister of finance criticized the students’ decision to present a petition to parliament on the internal matters of the university, saying the university council could easily tackle the problem.

“If the petition was addressed to the university council it would have been better because it would get a better hearing than to go and sit and listen to parliament. You forget that the same parliament and government were responsible for enacting a law which gives council powers to handle such issues,” he said.

Vice chancellor prof. Livingstone Luboobi told students that the Carnerje Corporation of New York, the company that funded the construction of the new University library, compelled the introduction of technology fee.

“After phase one of the construction the company promised to continue only after receiving the University’s contribution. We didn’t have the money and yet we couldn’t lose the chance,” Luboobi said.

He added that the ministry of finance and ministry of education gave the university a go ahead to get a loan and design a method of paying for it through fees collections.

The university dean of students John Ekudu explained the reason for splitting fees Bank accounts. He said the old method of paying every fee in one Bank account was inefficient because making accountability for different departments was difficult and time consuming. He said that a separate account for the students’S halls of residence would support the urgent need to rehabilitate them.

Recently, Makerere university students presented a petition before parliament concerning the inconsistencies with the university administration and policies. Crucial among the issues they raised were fees structures.