Student Drags Father to Court Over Tuition

A MAKERERE University student Elizabeth Nakamya has dragged to court her father over refusing to pay her tuition fees.

The LDC court presided over by Grade One magistrate Emmy Sayekwo has charged John Wampamba with negligence, for not meeting his obligations of paying tuition fees for the daughter.

Nakamya a second year student at Makerere University is pursuing a Bachelors' degree in Soft Ware Engineering. She was accompanied to court by her mother Tendo Nakatte.

Nakamya told court that since primary her father Wampamba refused to pay her school fees due to indifferences he had with her mother.

"My mother has been paying my tuition fees since primary up to my first year. But my course is expensive she can no longer afford the costs and that is why I am seeking legal intervention in the matter.

The Magistrate first advised the two to settle issues out of court since it is a family matter. However, the complainant (Nakatte) told court that her father has been turning down all family meetings the reason she sought legal redress. The magistrate ordered the defendant to look for half of the tuition in two weeks' time.

However, Wampamba, a house blocker residing in Kasubi, Lubaga Division Kampala amazed court when he told the magistrate that the duration of two weeks given to him to look for part of Nakamya's tuition fees was very short citing the rampant poverty in the country.

"My worship people are poor they no longer rent posh houses as they used to do. So in two weeks' time, I will not be able to collect sh2m out of my work," Wampamba pleaded with court.

The magistrate then ordered Wampamba to devise means and get the required amount since the University is likely to open at the end of this month and only students who had paid 60% will be the only ones allowed to attend Lectures.

Wampamba is expected to report to court on September 12, this year to update the court on the fulfillment of the order given, before the court proceeds with further action.