The Local Council V Chairperson for Mayuge District, David Zijja, has cautioned this year’s beneficiaries of the government quota system to exercise discipline, responsibility, and caution as they join universities under government sponsorship.
Zijja said leaders and parents in the district have repeatedly been disappointed by cases where some students, especially those from rural backgrounds, have died before completing their studies, resulting in their degrees being awarded posthumously during graduation ceremonies.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to prioritize their safety and academic goals once they report to their respective universities.
The district chairperson warned that some students, particularly girls from rural areas, have faced challenges after joining universities, including involvement in risky behaviours such as prostitution and drug abuse.
He said some parents have been left frustrated after their children abandon their studies due to negative peer influence and the pursuit of quick money.
Zijja urged the students to remain resilient and persevere through challenges they may encounter during their academic journey instead of making decisions that could affect their future.
He said leaders are tired of seeing students’ names announced at graduation ceremonies when they are no longer alive or have developed mental health complications associated with substance abuse.
The LC5 chairperson also questioned why some university students whose education is funded by government or parents end up seeking money through online platforms instead of focusing on their studies.
He further warned the beneficiaries to be cautious of individuals at universities who may approach them with false promises of assistance.
Zijja explained that the government quota bursary programme covers tuition and other academic costs throughout the beneficiary’s entire period of study.
He commended the government for expanding opportunities under the programme, noting that Mayuge District’s allocation has increased from six slots in previous years to ten beneficiaries this year.
Parents Welcome Selection Process
Parents who attended the event welcomed the initiative, saying the current selection process benefited students who genuinely need financial support.
They noted that in previous years, some beneficiaries were allegedly selected from financially stable families due to influence, denying opportunities to needy students.
The parents said all ten beneficiaries selected from Mayuge District this year came from disadvantaged families, describing the process as fairer.
The quota system is a government sponsorship programme where districts are allocated slots for best-performing students to pursue university education.
