Makerere University has suspended the controversial 5 percent surcharge imposed on late tuition payments, offering relief to students ahead of the commencement of second-semester examinations scheduled for May 18, 2026.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated May 5, 2026, from the Office of the Vice Chancellor addressed to the 92nd Guild President, Gracious Kadondi.
The waiver followed concerns raised by the Guild leadership over the financial difficulties many students have been facing amid the strict implementation of the university’s fees policy.
In the letter, the university acknowledged receiving a petition from the Guild dated April 21, 2026, requesting the suspension of the surcharge and extension of late registration timelines.
Makerere management said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with university leadership and in consideration of the welfare of students during the examination period.
According to the communication, all surcharges related to student registration and delayed tuition payments for the current semester, including the 5 percent penalty on outstanding balances, have been suspended with immediate effect.
The university also indicated that the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) would be adjusted to reflect the changes.
Despite suspending the surcharge, management maintained that all students must clear their tuition balances in full before being issued examination permits, sitting examinations, progressing academically or graduating.
“Full clearance remains mandatory for examination permits and graduation processes,” the letter stated.
The university further clarified that students with outstanding balances from previous semesters would remain ineligible to sit examinations, continue studies or receive official academic documents such as transcripts and certificates until their debts are cleared.
Kadondi had earlier appealed to university management to reconsider the surcharge policy, arguing that many students and their families were struggling financially and risked missing examinations because of accumulated penalties.
The surcharge had sparked concern among sections of students who accused the university of enforcing punitive measures at a time of widespread economic hardship.
The latest development is expected to ease tensions on campus as students prepare for end-of-semester examinations.
