Why Makerere University scrapped Law evening classes

A total of 35 students who applied for evening classes (August intake) at the Makerere Law School are currently counting losses following the university’s decision to scrap them.

Some of the students who applied for the evening programme had already paid Shs240,000 for pre-entry exams and application fees. They are likely to lose the money for good if they do not undertake the day programme.

The disgruntled 35 argue that the day programme disrupts their work schedule and they can’t risk losing their jobs.

Dr Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, the university’s head of communication and international relations, said the affected students had been informed earlier about the decision.

“I don’t want to call it scrapping per se but the students have been informed to choose from the available choices. We shall have a new programme we have called ‘Executive’ which will be run in a module form starting in January next year. The students will graduate at the same time with those starting,” said Dr Kiggundu.

Last year, the University Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that the university was planning to scrap off evening courses due to financial challenges faced by the university.

“During its meeting held on March 14, 2018, the University Council resolved that all new students (freshers) starting with the coming academic year 2018/2019, will be admitted to study various academic programs at Makerere University on either the day programme from 8:00am to 5:00pm or on the afternoon programme from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Colleges are however allowed to run evening programmes after filling the minimum enrollment on day and afternoon programmes,” said Nawangwe.