Ever since Makerere University started the private admission process, it has been flocked by hundreds of applicants who want to taste the pride associated with it’s reputation.
Getting an admission at the oldest public University in Uganda requires one to first pay a non refundable fee of Ushs 50,000/=, take the bank slips to the main building (Finance Department) for verification.
The applicants then pick admission forms from a tent opposite the University Senate. All these processes involve long queues.
The long queues don’t matter to some students, to them obtaining an admission at Makerere is a dream come true.
“Since childhood, I have always wanted to study at Makerere, I will do whatever it takes to get an admission, ” confessed Kaunda Kenneth, a student from Kiryandongo district.
Karugaba Syson echoes how Makerere university’s reputation moved her to like the institution.
” Makerere is the fourth best in Africa and the best in East Africa, I would love to have my transcript with it’s name, ” she said.
Very many factors seem to entice applicants not to mind of the hustle they are to undergo to pick an admission form from Makerere University. The infrastructure, reputation, strategic location and availability of the desired courses cuts across the majority applicants.
Nakiryowa Moureen, a continuing student at the University advises students not to put all hopes in Makerere.
“You can attain good education at any other institution in Uganda, some applicants maybe blinded and only apply at Makerere, “
” The competition is tight and possibilities of not being admitted are high, apply in other institutions as back up, ” she said.
Najemba Lillian, a parent who was found helping her son advised parents to escort their children in the admission process. She believes most children are not well versed with what they should do while at University.
Although Makerere University has tried embracing technology with an online admission system, most Ugandan citizens have shunned using the system – they prefer going to Makerere and apply physically. Thus the online application system benefits International students more than Ugandans.