Makerere University has introduced a students’ work scheme aimed at assisting learners struggling to cover tuition fees and other essential expenses.
This initiative comes as a response to the alarming dropout rate of 1,000 students annually due to financial hardships, despite the various scholarships available at the institution.
While addressing a media conference in the Council Room at Makerere, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced that the scheme had already recruited 56 students as hall attendants and office assistants, while 10 others have been placed with private companies as sales representatives.
“To this end, the University Council established the Student Work Scheme, through which students can raise school fees,” Prof Nawangwe said.
The scheme operates under the Dean of Students, ensuring that the work does not jeopardize their studies. To be eligible, students must have a minimum academic requirement of 2.8 CGPA and be full-time students.
The students participating in this program earn UGX 1.2 million per month, working part-time with flexible schedules that allow them to balance their job responsibilities with their academic commitments.
“These are paid a sum of Shs1.2 million as compensation and help them pay for their financial needs and within two months these students can pay their fees and keep some money for themselves,” Professor Nawangwe said.
Beyond financial support, the scheme also provides valuable hands-on experience and practical skills that enhance students’ future employability. Prof. Nawangwe revealed that plans are underway to expand the program to 100 students, incorporating diverse roles across various university departments.
In addition to the work scheme, the students’ guild elections are set to take place on March 12, 2025, with preparations progressing smoothly, according to the vice chancellor. He also noted that the University Council has established two search committees tasked with identifying competent candidates for the vacant positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
These committees have been given 60 days to submit their recommendations to the Senate, after which the final selection process will take an additional 30 days before the successful candidates are announced to the public.
In a bid to enhance inclusivity and support disabled students, the University Council has recently established a one-stop Disability Support Center located at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. This center is already transforming the educational experience for students with disabilities by reducing their need to move between buildings, fostering a sense of community, and equipping them with essential academic and life skills.
Makerere University’s continued efforts to address students’ needs — whether financial, administrative, or accessibility-related — reflect its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.