Kyambogo University Guild President, Akiso Benjamin, has been expelled from the university following his active role in a campaign demanding changes to the tuition policy.
In a statement released on Thursday, Akiso revealed that he had received an official dismissal letter from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka. He stated that the university’s decision was linked to his efforts to support students struggling with tuition deadlines.
According to Akiso, his expulsion stems from his call for students who have paid at least 70% of their tuition to be allowed to sit for their examinations. He also pushed for the university to remove the UGX 50,000 penalty charged to students who fail to complete tuition payments within the first six weeks of the semester.
“Greetings, comrades in struggle! Earlier today, I received a letter from VC Prof. Eli Katunguka dismissing me from the university. My ‘crime’ was advocating for students who’ve completed 70% of their tuition to be allowed to sit exams and asking management to waive the UGX 50k late payment fee,” he said in a public statement.
The expulsion has sparked renewed debate about student rights and academic freedom in Uganda’s public universities. Many see the move as a crackdown on student activism, especially when guild leaders speak out against policies that affect their fellow students.
Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has spoken out against the expulsion, calling it politically motivated and an attack on student leadership and expression.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about how public institutions handle dissent and student advocacy, especially in matters that affect access to education.
