Masaka City | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing’s administration, led by Mr. Steven Kakeete, the principal education officer of Masaka City, made a crucial decision on September 26. They decided to send students home if they hadn’t paid at least 75% of their tuition fees. The meeting included the school principal, Ms. Nausindo Kekurina, school guild council leaders, and security authorities.

Students falling short on tuition payment received payment commitment letters. Those without valid reasons for delayed payment received demand notices and were sent home. This decision followed a student strike protesting poor welfare, high fees, and delayed placements.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for routine maintenance of items like beds and plumbing. The Health Minister in the guild council was tasked with coordinating access to a medical kit, with the school assisting students with extra medical fees.

The community placements deadline was extended to October 1 to accommodate students who hadn’t met the 75% tuition requirement.

Ms. Kekurina highlighted the school’s financial challenges, as only 39% of the 390+ students had met the 75% tuition requirement. Tuition fees range from Shs1.5 million to Shs2 million per semester for diploma programs in nursing, midwifery, and general nursing.

Guild president Mr. Edgar Tusiime expressed concerns about poor welfare, insecurity, high tuition fees, and communication gaps regarding training placements.

This marks the second strike at Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing this year, emphasizing ongoing issues at the government-founded institution near Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

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