Kyambogo University Suspends 17 Students, Including Guild President, Over Protest Against 5% Surcharges

Kyambogo University has suspended 17 students, among them Guild President Akiso Benjamin, for alleged breaches of institutional regulations. The disciplinary measure was formally communicated in a notice dated April 29, 2025, following a resolution passed during a Students’ Affairs and Welfare Committee meeting held on April 23, under Regulation 40 of the university’s code of conduct.

Students affected by the suspension come from diverse faculties and academic programs and have been temporarily banned from accessing university premises for one month. They will remain suspended pending an official disciplinary hearing to address the accusations leveled against them. Notable names on the list include Owen John Measarg (Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences), Mwezigwa Timothy (Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences), Kiptoo Ian Cheya (Vocational Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture), and Guild President Akiso Benjamin, who is enrolled in a Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting at the School of Special Needs and Rehabilitation.

The administration has stated that the disciplinary action follows a student-led protest earlier in the month. The demonstration, which disrupted campus operations, was organized in opposition to a 5% surcharge added to tuition fees—a decision students say was enforced without adequate dialogue or explanation. University management justified the increase as necessary to address escalating operational expenses, but students decried the move as abrupt and financially burdensome.

The suspension of the Guild President has drawn considerable attention, intensifying campus debates. While some students have backed the university's efforts to uphold discipline and maintain order, others view the action as a suppression of student voices and a direct blow to democratic representation within the institution.

In response, Kyambogo University reaffirmed its stance on enforcing discipline while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining academic standards. Officials indicated that the disciplinary hearings would provide clarity on the allegations and determine appropriate consequences.

As tensions remain high, the outcome of the proceedings is expected to significantly impact not only the suspended students' academic futures but also the broader relationship between university leadership and the student body, particularly regarding engagement in policy discussions and financial decisions.