Makerere University aims to increase student enrollment in its work scheme this academic year, an initiative designed to address the growing dropout rate due to inability to pay tuition, which affects approximately 1,000 students annually.

The work scheme provides part-time employment for students, offering them a means to earn income while gaining valuable work experience essential for securing future employment.

Students participating in the scheme are compensated with a modest salary of Shs 1.2 million for their contributions.

Currently, the university has enlisted 66 students to serve as hall and office attendants, whose duties include cleaning and assisting with administrative tasks.

The work hours are structured to ensure they do not interfere with the students’ academic responsibilities.

In addition, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced efforts to fill two critical positions at the university: Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.

These roles have remained vacant since 2020 when the High Court annulled the appointment of Prof. William Bazeyo due to challenges regarding the appointment process.

Although a subsequent attempt to fill the positions was halted by another court petition, that case was withdrawn last year, allowing the university to move forward.

The former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs’ contract expired in December 2023, and despite challenges in the appraisal process, the university council has committed to appointing new officers within the next three months.

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