Makerere University May 5 Fee Deadline Sparks Outcry as Students Struggle to Pay Ahead of Exams
Makerere University has issued a fresh reminder to students over tuition payment deadlines for Semester Two of the 2025/2026 academic year, but the notice has triggered an emotional and widespread reaction from the student community facing mounting financial pressure.
In a statement released by Academic Registrar Buyinza Mukadasi and dated April 10, 2026, students were reminded that all tuition and functional fees must be cleared by May 5, 2026 — the 12th week of the semester — or risk a 5 percent surcharge on any outstanding balances.
The university also emphasized that Semester Two examinations, scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026, will only be accessible to students who have fully cleared their tuition. This means students without full payment will not be able to obtain examination permits.
According to the university’s fees policy, continuing students are required to pay at least 60 percent of tuition and 100 percent of functional fees at the start of the semester to complete registration. Full tuition must then be cleared before the 12-week deadline.
However, the announcement has exposed the harsh financial realities many students are dealing with. Shortly after the notice circulated online, students took to social media to express frustration, anxiety, and helplessness.
One student directly addressed Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, highlighting the pressure from both home and school.
The student described a situation where families are struggling to survive in Kampala’s tough economic environment, making it increasingly difficult to raise tuition fees on time.
Another student, Emorut Philip Okunku, called for structural change within the university, urging leadership to establish a dedicated office that listens to students’ financial challenges rather than only enforcing deadlines and penalties.
These reactions reflect a broader issue affecting many campus students across Uganda—where tuition is often raised through informal sector work such as small businesses, boda boda riding, and market vending. Any disruption to these income sources can immediately affect a student’s ability to stay in school.
The timing of the notice is also significant. It comes just days before the swearing-in of newly elected 92nd Guild President Kadondi Gracious, who campaigned heavily on improving student welfare and addressing financial barriers to education.
One of her key promises was pushing for better implementation of the 60 percent tuition policy to ensure students are not blocked from sitting exams due to incomplete payments.
While the university maintains the policy, many students argue that its current implementation still leaves vulnerable students at risk.
The 5 percent surcharge in particular has drawn criticism, with students arguing that it adds more strain rather than providing a solution. For those already struggling to raise fees, the penalty only deepens the financial burden.
With the May 5 deadline fast approaching and exams just weeks away, pressure is building across campus. Students facing financial difficulties have been advised to engage their respective College Registrars early, but many feel more systemic solutions are needed.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the incoming guild leadership and university administration to find a balance between policy enforcement and student support.
Campus Pluss will continue to follow this developing story.