Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | More than thirty students of Makerere University are stranded in hostels following the closure of education institutions.
On Sunday, President Museveni announced fresh restrictions as part of measures to control the COVID-19 transmissions in the country in face of the second wave of the pandemic. Among the restrictions, the president directed the closure of all educational institutions across the country for 42 days effective June 7.
In a letter to students on Monday, the Dean of Students Winfred Kabumbuli told the students to vacate the halls of residence by close of business on Monday except for international students.
While most of those residing in halls managed to go home, students residing in hostels were told to leave even against their wish.
Masai Damian, a resident at Messiah hostel who had hoped to stay in the hostel said that she will leave on Wednesday as utilities such as water and electricity were deliberately disconnected by the warden.
He says the electricity was later turned on by the warden with caution that every resident should be out by end of tomorrow.
Michael Gidudu, a first-year student says that he has nowhere to go after the transport fares to his home in Mbale were increased.
According to Saturday Mukisa, the warden Messiah hostel, no student will be allowed to stay in the hostel.
Daniel Habasa, a student residing at J.J hostel who finds the directive to travel in three days unrealistic is yet to decide on whether to travel or look for business and where to stay around Kampala as the transport fare to his home could start him up a business.
Ritah Mukisa, a resident of Kasamba Girls Hostel says that she prefers to stay in the hostel because the bus park is congested and she is not sure she will get a bus home.
On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of people were stuck in various bus and taxi parks in Kampala because of exorbitant transport fares. The fares shot up on Monday following the new COVID-19 control measures to contain the second wave, which has seen a surge in infections.
In addition to closing schools, President Museveni also banned inter-district travel for the next 42 days triggering mass movement with several people choosing to travel upcountry fearing a major lockdown.
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