AS Uganda’s Campus Hunger Crisis Deepens

As Uganda’s Campus Hunger Crisis Deepens, a tragic and shocking event has brought attention to the severe hunger crisis facing Ugandan university students. This week, a Kyambogo University student was found dead in her dorm room, reportedly succumbing to hunger-related complications. The heartbreaking incident has sparked outrage and calls for urgent action to address the worsening conditions of food insecurity among students across Uganda’s higher education institutions.

The unnamed student’s death comes amidst growing reports of widespread hunger, malnutrition, and deteriorating health among students, particularly at Makerere University and Kyambogo University. Many students—primarily those on government sponsorships—are struggling to afford basic meals. According to recent social media posts from students and alumni, the issue is compounded by financial hardships and rising living costs, leaving the majority unable to secure proper nutrition. Some reports indicate that as many as 95% of students at Makerere are regularly skipping meals due to financial constraints.

This tragic death has drawn increased attention to what students and advocates call “Black November,” a particularly difficult time in the academic calendar when students are faced with both final exams and severe food insecurity. With mounting stress, many students are left without adequate sustenance, leading to deteriorating health conditions, including chronic fatigue, abdominal ulcers, and in some cases, death.