Kyambogo University descended into chaos today as police used tear gas and fired live warning shots to disperse students protesting a UGX 50,000 (around USD 13) penalty for late registration.
The protest, spearheaded by Guild President Akiso Benjamin, also centered on demands that students with outstanding tuition balances be allowed to sit for their final exams.
The unrest began early Wednesday morning when large groups of students gathered at the main campus, blocking major access points.
Many held placards denouncing the surcharge, arguing that it unfairly targets students already grappling with financial hardships.
“This fee is a punishment for being poor,” said Akiso Benjamin, The Guild President Kyambogo University.
Tensions heightened when police arrived at the scene, attempting to break up the crowd. Security forces deployed tear gas and fired live rounds into the air to scatter the students. Several injuries were reported and some students were hospitalized due to tear gas exposure and minor injuries.