The government has paid Shs9 billion in tuition for State-House sponsored students of Makerere University.
This was aimed at ensuring that the 900 students sit for end of semester exams which began on Monday. According to a May 3 payment receipt that this newspaper has seen, the Ministry of Education and Sports on its State House account disbursed the money.
The beneficiaries are categorised under private-sponsored students, who are, according to the university policy, supposed to pay 60 per cent of their tuition or reduce the course load they are supposed to study.
“We have the pleasure to inform you that the Ministry of Education and Sports on the account of State House has paid tuition fees for all students sponsored by State House for the academic year 2012/2013,” Ms Ritah Namisango, the university spokesperson, said in a statement.
She added: “With the implementation of the Makerere University Fees Policy passed by the University Council, No student will be allowed to sit for the end of academic year 2012/2013 examinations without paying 100 per cent tuition fees.”
Scheme management
Though the scheme was poised to be taken over by the Ministry of Education, it emerged last week that State House is to reclaim management of the scheme that has been operational since 1987.