In an effort to foster regional cooperation, the Ugandan government has announced the exemption of more than 10,000 South Sudanese students from paying student pass fees. This landmark decision was revealed by South Sudan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Simon Juach Deng, during a press conference held in Kampala.
The waiver on student pass fees was granted on September 6, 2023, aligning with the principles of unity within the East African Community. Prior to this development, South Sudanese students in Uganda were classified as international students, incurring student pass fees. However, this change in policy reflects the commitment of both nations to adhere to the East African Community Common Market’s regulations regarding free movement of persons.
Ambassador Deng emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “The waiver was granted by the Government of Uganda to honor the EAC protocol on the establishment of the East African Community Common Market (free movement of persons) Regulations 8, which states that a citizen admitted as a student in a partner state will be issued a student pass without a fee.”
As the third school term is set to commence, Ambassador Deng called upon all educational institutions to acknowledge this new policy and cease demanding South Sudanese nationals studying in Uganda to pay student pass fees. It is reported that these students were previously required to pay an annual pass fee of $100 (approximately Shs336,000).
Mr. Lual Akol Nhial, the education attaché at the South Sudan embassy, highlighted the challenges posed by student pass fees to South Sudanese learners. He noted that students studying in other countries faced difficulties because their passports lacked evidence of a visa to Uganda, potentially rendering their education abroad illegitimate.
The waiver on student pass fees marks a significant development in strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and South Sudan. It not only benefits existing students but also encourages others to pursue education in Uganda.
Given the political instability that has plagued South Sudan for many years, a considerable number of South Sudanese students have sought formal education in Ugandan schools, spanning from primary to tertiary levels. South Sudan officially joined the East African Community on September 5, 2016, further solidifying its integration within the region.