Speaker Oboth Pledges Parliamentary Support for More Female Halls at Makerere

Makerere University Guild leaders recently presented concerns regarding student welfare, particularly the severe shortage of accommodation for female students, to Parliament Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.

The students highlighted that the demand for on-campus housing far exceeds the available bed space, forcing many female students to seek private accommodation off-campus. This situation not only incurs additional costs but also raises significant safety and convenience issues.

Makerere University’s main campus currently has only three female halls: Africa, Complex, and Mary Stuart, with a combined capacity of 1,205 students. This is a fraction of the university’s undergraduate population, with the existing nine halls accommodating only about 10% of students.

The issue of insufficient accommodation for female students is not new, with historical data from the 1990s showing halls operating well beyond their stated capacities. The Guild leadership emphasized that this shortage impacts student safety and well-being, urging Parliament to prioritize the matter.

In response, Speaker Oboth commended the Guild’s initiative and pledged parliamentary support for funding new female halls, provided the government submits a concrete proposal. He stressed that adequate housing is essential for a supportive learning environment and not merely a luxury.

The Speaker also encouraged university student leaders to view their roles as preparation for future national service. While recent renovations are underway for some existing halls, the Guild’s appeal underscores the need for a substantial expansion of female accommodation to meet the growing student population’s needs.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/372848/oboth-backs-makerere-guild-push-for-more-female-halls