Makerere University has suspended the 5 per cent surcharge on late tuition payments but maintained a requirement by all students to clear tuition before sitting exams.
In a May 5, 2026 letter, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sarah N. Ssali, said the decision was taken after consultations within the university’s top leadership.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 21st April 2026, in which the Students' Guild raised concerns regarding the strict application of the University Fees Policy for Semester Two of the Academic Year 2025/2026,” Prof Ssali wrote.
The Guild, led by its president, Gracious Kadondi, had formally petitioned the Vice-Chancellor on April 21, seeking a waiver on the surcharge and more time for students struggling to meet payment deadlines.
In her letter, Ms Kadondi had referenced a directive issued by the Academic Registrar on April 20, which required strict compliance with the fees policy ahead of examinations scheduled to begin on May 18.
“Whereas we fully appreciate the University Management's desire to ensure timely payment of tuition and functional fees ahead of the examinations scheduled to commence on 18th May 2026, we are deeply concerned about the immediate implications of the strict deadlines, the automatic 5% surcharge, and the threat of de-registration for students who have not yet completed their payments,” Kadondi wrote last month.
She added: “Many of our fellow students continue to face genuine financial constraints occasioned by the prevailing economic hardships affecting their families and sponsors.”
The Guild had warned that enforcing the surcharge and deadlines would disrupt students’ academic progress.
“The impending surcharge and possible denial of examination permits will, without doubt, cause unnecessary anxiety and disrupt the academic journey of otherwise committed students,” Ms Kadondi noted.
In response, Prof Ssali has said that following extensive consultations with University Leadership, and in the spirit of supporting the students during this period, the council decided to approve the decisions.
“All surcharges related to student registration and late payment of fees for the current semester, including the 5% surcharge on outstanding tuition balances, are hereby suspended with immediate effect," she announced.
However, the university maintained that students must still fully clear their tuition to access examinations and other academic services.
“Notwithstanding the suspension of surcharges, every student is required to clear all University fees to a zero balance without exception. Full clearance remains a mandatory condition for the issuance of examination permits, sitting examinations, progression, and graduation,” Prof Ssali stated.
The university further warned that students with outstanding balances from previous semesters remain ineligible for exams, transcripts, or graduation.
“The University remains responsive to genuine financial hardships but expects all students to take deliberate steps to clear outstanding fees, complete registration, and secure examination permits in good time,” she added.
The development comes amidst the growing tension between enforcement of university fee policies and the financial realities facing students, even as exams draw closer.
