Kampala — Makerere University government-sponsored students have opposed the move by the university administration to stop providing meals in halls of residence.

In a letter to the University Council recently, the students stated: "After consultations with various stakeholders, we have agreed that the intended move by the university council to outsource feeding in halls of residence be suspended."

Last week, the university administrators petitioned Parliament seeking an end to students' feeding and accommodation facilities.

The university secretary, Sam Akorimo, told Parliament that feeding and accommodation of students had become difficult. "Our job is not to feed students. The core function of Makerere University is teaching, research and outreach," he said.

"We cannot continue feeding students with the rising food prices. The sh160m we get from the Government annually for development cannot maintain the dilapidated halls of residence," Akorimo said.

Recently, the dean of students, John Ekudu, informed government-sponsored students to present their bank accounts to allow the university deposit a feeding allowance for them beginning next semester.

Students have rubbished the proposal, saying the sh2,050 which the government provides for each student for meals per day was little. "This is a public university and it should work for us not against us," read the letter.