By Issaac Tayebwa

On 23rd September 2022, the kigezi Students' Association of Kampala International University in conjunction with their counterparts of Kibale and Ankole Student's Associations, Students living with disabilities, and the Guild union, organized a discussion on the topic "How the current economic crisis has affected the students in higher institutions of learning."

The discussion that started at 4:00 pm at KIU main Campus saw a number of excited students who had come to attend the discussion and also present their views about the topic.

The panelists included Hon. Nsereko Marvin who represented the university guild union, Hon.Edgar Niwarinda who represented the kigezi Students's association, Hon.Nicholas Nahereza who represented the Ankole Students, and Hon. Boaz represented the Kibale Students Association.

Boaz explained the need for the parents to think of family planning methods since some parents have failed to completely care for their children because they are overwhelmed with their increasing needs.

In his submission, Hon. Nsereko Marvin made it clear that the economic hardships have affected students in private institutions and related the cause to COVID-19.

“Covid 19 left many families poor and some parents have been unable to take care of their families,” Nsereko said.

Hon. Twine Davis who represented students with disabilities blamed the government for not coming out to regulate private institutions that are exploitative in nature and advised that more attention should be paid and minimum school dues set.

He added that students and the parents should not wait for the government to help them out but instead find alternative sources of income to cater for their needs.

Since this was the fast of its kind, the organizers promised to organize more of similar discussions to boast the confidence of the students and to give chance to the students engage and contribute to nation-building, and also improve the student's ability to make research, reason out matters and discuss them.

Issac Tayebwa applauded all members who attended the discussion and promised that more similar discussions will be held and called upon all students to engage in them and actively participate.