Story by Aggrey Twesigye
Police in Mbarara on Monday morning fired teargas to disperse medical and surgery students from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) who staged a protest against a newly introduced recess policy, which they claim is unfair and financially burdensome.
According to the students, the university administration recently implemented the policy without prior consultation. Previously, medical and surgery students completed all course units within two semesters.
However, under the new system, first-year students will now study only one course unit over a ten-week recess period while being required to pay half of the tuition fee, amounting to UGX 800,000.
The students argue that this policy imposes an extra financial burden, as they must cover costs for rent, food, and other essentials despite the reduced academic workload.
