CAMPUS
SAD!! Kyambogo University Student Dies Inside Her Hostel Room Due To Hunger

A devastating tragedy has shaken the nation, exposing the dire food insecurity plaguing Uganda’s university students. This week, a Kyambogo University student succumbed to hunger-related complications in her dorm room, sparking outrage and demands for immediate action.
The heartbreaking incident highlights the desperate plight of students struggling to survive amidst worsening hunger, malnutrition, and deteriorating health.The unnamed student’s death is a stark reminder of the crippling food crisis ravaging Uganda’s higher education institutions, particularly Makerere University and Kyambogo University.
Reports indicate that up to 95% of Makerere students regularly skip meals due to financial constraints, with many relying on leftovers, handouts, or going without food altogether.
“Black November”: A Time of Desperation
As students face final exams, the stress of food insecurity intensifies, exacerbating health issues like chronic fatigue, abdominal ulcers, and even death. This perilous period, dubbed “Black November,” has become a grim reality for students scrambling to make ends meet.
Kamugira Mucunguzi, a former Makerere University student, shared a harrowing account of a friend who nearly died from starvation. “He survived on leftover popcorn,” Mucunguzi recounted, highlighting the desperation that has become all too common.
Systemic Failure: Financial Hardships and Government Inaction
The majority of affected students are on government scholarships, receiving allowances that barely cover basic expenses. Critics argue that the government’s inaction stems from a perceived political bias, prioritizing other interests over the well-being of these students.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
In the wake of the Kyambogo student’s death, activists, NGOs, and concerned citizens are urging the government and private sector to provide emergency food relief and support systems. Student leaders are rallying support on social media, tagging influential figures like Martin Ssempa, to raise awareness and mobilize action.
A Humanitarian Emergency
As Uganda’s campus hunger crisis deepens, advocates warn that inaction will have devastating consequences. With each passing day, more students face the risk of malnutrition, illness, and even death.The Kyambogo student’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action.
It is time for the government, private sector, and civil society to come together and address this humanitarian emergency, ensuring that no student must choose between education and survival.