Hostel owners at Gulu University have reportedly increased prices of their accommodation facilities following an increase in the number of students being admitted at the learning institution.
From the old rates of between 600,000-800,000 per semester, hostel owners are reportedly charging between 900,000 to 1.4million shillings.
James Onono Ojok, the Gulu University Public Relations Officer (PRO) confirmed the report during a press conference held on Monday (today) at the Northern Uganda Media Club (Numec).
Onono said that the university admitted 7,000 students for the 2026-2027 academic year adding that 2,665 had enrolled as of today.
He explained that following an outcry from the students that some hostel owners were now preferring to rent out to the highest bidders, the university was compelled to engage the hostel owners on the matter.
Onono says that they resolved with the hostel owners who are 52 in number to have tenant agreements with the students and stick to them to avoid stressing the students.
Gulu University currently relies on private investors for hostels as it does not provide accommodation.
Meanwhile, Gulu University has urged private investors to embrace the hostel business model to address the high demand for hostels.
Onono, the University PRO says Freezone hotel has since transformed from a hotel to a hostel, providing accommodation to Gulu University students.
By Justine Muboka
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