Muhammad Nsereko, a Member of Parliament representing Kampala Central, is urging the government to extend financial assistance to 3000 students at Makerere University who are struggling to pay their tuition fees.
He believes that instead of solely focusing on providing bailouts to struggling businesses, the government should consider the plight of these students.
The MP highlights that these students, whose parents or guardians are also taxpayers, will be prevented from taking exams and graduating if they are unable to clear their fees.
Nsereko emphasises that these students are part of our community and that the government has previously provided financial assistance to various businesses through tax waivers, such as Roko and Bujagali.
He mentions that their parents diligently pay taxes and would undoubtedly want to see their children succeed in their education by graduating with a bachelor's degree from the university.
Nsereko believes that investing in the education of these students during their time of need is the best course of action.
The legislator appeals to the government to implement a bailout plan, referred to as an education rebate, since the student loan scheme has been suspended.
He acknowledges that these students have made efforts to pay their own fees but are likely struggling, particularly those in their third or fourth year.
Nsereko asserts that addressing this issue would not only help these students academically but also contribute to addressing mental health concerns at the university, as some students have expressed thoughts of suicide.
However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa raises concerns about the sustainability of bailing out financially distressed students at universities.
While he acknowledges the hardships faced by students, he urges caution in how the government handles this matter.
He advises the Prime Minister to thoroughly study the issue and approach it with clear caution, considering the implications and potential precedents it might set.
Recently, the cabinet approved a relief package of 240.9 billion Ugandan shillings to assist Patrick Bitature, a business tycoon burdened with a $35 million debt to Vantage Mezzanine, a South African-based company.
This decision has sparked a heated debate within Parliament, with lawmakers divided over the necessity of providing substantial financial assistance to Bitature.
The leaked report of the cabinet's approval has triggered outrage on social media platforms, leading to discussions about the government's priorities in providing financial support to struggling entities.
The Democratic Party (DP) has expressed objections to the government's decision, citing concerns about discrimination.
Ismail Kiirya, the acting spokesperson of the Democratic Party (DP), voiced reservations about the relief package and highlighted the ensuing debate among legislators.
He emphasised the importance of applying bailout measures uniformly without discrimination.
While Kiirya acknowledges the commendable idea of providing assistance to Bitature, he criticises the perception that the government is selectively bailing out friends, relatives, and acquaintances.
Kiirya also questions why the focus is solely on Bitature when there are other businesspeople in Uganda facing financial difficulties.
With Parliament preparing to deliberate on this contentious issue, the fate of Bitature's bailout remains uncertain.
Lawmakers are divided over the government's proposed financial lifeline for the struggling entrepreneur.