Shock as University Student Reportedly Dies of Hunger

KAMPALA , Uganda – Hunger among Uganda’s university students has become an urgent crisis, revealing the severe financial challenges facing young people in higher education.
Uganda’s universities are currently grappling with a widespread hunger issue among students, with reports indicating that nearly 95% of students struggle to afford basic meals, according to Pastor Martin Ssempa tweet on X (formally Twitter)
This University student died in her bed due to hunger. Many others are on the verge. Hunger, malnutrition, skipping meals, abdominal ulcers, death.95% of @Makerere students go without meals because they can't afford them. We have a silent humanitarian crisis both @kyambogou ,… pic.twitter.com/Dj6owW4s7T
— Martin Ssempa (@martinssempa) November 4, 2024
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This crisis affects prominent institutions such as Makerere University and Kyambogo University, where students report going long hours or even days without food. The gravity of this crisis has brought questions to the forefront about the ability of these students to focus on studies amid such deprivation.
The issue recently came to public attention following the reported death of a female student who allegedly succumbed to hunger in her dormitory. This tragic event underscores a crisis that many say has been overlooked by authorities. University officials have acknowledged the challenges faced by students but admit they were unaware of the crisis’s depth and severity.
Students at multiple universities have shared distressing accounts of missed meals and the physical toll of prolonged hunger. Many students reportedly endure entire days with only a single meal or none at all, leading to health complications like abdominal ulcers. There are also growing concerns about the impact on students’ academic performance, as hunger affects both mental and physical well being.
The high cost of living in Uganda, paired with limited financial support for students, has left many without enough resources to secure sufficient food. While some students rely on meager funds from their families, the nation’s rising inflation has sharply increased food prices, making it even harder for students to afford basic meals.
Issue
Percentage Affected
Impacts
Students going without meals
95%
Hunger, malnutrition, health issues
Incidents of meal-skipping
High
Abdominal ulcers, mental strain
Financial constraints
Severe
Limited access to nutrition and other needs
A significant number of these students come from rural areas with limited financial resources, and they often struggle to adapt to the high costs associated with urban life in Kampala. Most universities do not provide adequate welfare support, leaving the responsibility of survival largely on the students themselves. Without consistent access to food, many students face a daily struggle to stay nourished.
Student representatives and advocacy groups are increasingly urging both universities and government bodies to take immediate steps to address the issue. They argue that protecting students’ welfare is essential not only for their academic success but also for Uganda’s future, as these students are expected to become the country’s next generation of leaders and professionals.
Prominent activist Martin Ssempa has been vocal about the crisis, using social media to call for urgent intervention. Through hashtags such as #HungryatMakerere, he has been raising awareness and pressuring university administrations and public officials into action. According to Ssempa, this is a “silent humanitarian crisis” that risks further lives if not addressed promptly.
Despite these calls for action, university and government officials have yet to provide any clear solution to the problem. Meanwhile, students continue to face daily hardships, fearing that more could suffer or even lose their lives due to this crisis.
Efforts to address the crisis have also extended to political circles. Recently, opposition leader Bobi Wine provided food assistance to over 300 government sponsored students at Makerere University, who have reportedly gone months without receiving their allowances. The students, organized informally as the “Makerere Hungry Students Association,” described how the delayed allowances had forced many into precarious situations, with some resorting to taking desperate measures to make ends meet.
Reported Challenges by Makerere Students
Examples
Health Concerns
Ulcers, fainting episodes due to hunger
Social Pressures
Female students facing indecent proposals
Financial Impact
Inability to afford basic necessities
Wine condemned the government’s inaction on this issue, particularly in light of recent scandals involving large sums of public funds. He questioned how Uganda could expect students to build the nation’s future while they struggle with basic survival. Despite police warnings to avoid the gathering, many students still attended to receive food support from Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters, showcasing the desperation felt by those affected.
University officials have cited budget cuts as a factor in the delay of student allowances. Recent meetings revealed that the student welfare budget had been reduced by UGX 8 billion (USD 2.2 million) in one instance, and in another instance, it was reported as a UGX 25 billion reduction. Efforts by students to protest or submit petitions have reportedly been met with threats of suspension or expulsion, leaving them with few options to have their voices heard.
Recent research conducted by Makerere University found that 95% of students often go without meals due to financial strain. With the minimum cost of a daily meal estimated at UGX 10,000 (USD 3), and only UGX 4,500 (USD 1.30) provided to students, a significant gap has emerged. Health issues are now increasingly being reported, with the university hospital observing a rise in ulcer cases directly linked to poor and irregular eating patterns. A similar case occurred last year when a student succumbed to ulcers shortly before graduation, highlighting the health risks students face if the crisis persists.
To cope with the financial burden, some students have taken on risky loans from money lenders, while others have engaged in risky sexual activities to support themselves. Local leaders are now calling on the public to assist, proposing the establishment of food banks and soup kitchens where contributions can be made by alumni, parents, religious institutions, and other supporters.
Proposed Actions to Aid Makerere Students
Description
Student-Led Food Bank
Set up a food bank for donations from alumni, parents, and religious groups.
Raise Awareness
Increase awareness on social media to gather local and international support.
Independent Task Force
Form a student-led committee to investigate welfare funding solutions.
University Council Engagement
Urge university council to prioritize resolving the crisis.
NGO and Religious Institution Support
Mobilize NGOs and religious groups for immediate aid.
Responding to the urgent situation, local leaders and alumni, including Reverend Martin Ssempa, have pledged personal support, encouraging others to contribute directly to students in need. Ssempa has urged anyone able to help to join in the effort, including sharing students’ stories across social media in hopes of attracting further attention and assistance.