A private university in Uganda has directed female students of the institution to take pregnancy test before being allowed to write their final year exams, thereby sparking public outrage.
The directive of Kampala International University – described as “discriminatory and unacceptable” – was later rescinded following widespread criticisms.
Reports quoted an internal university memo on Thursday as instructing all female nurses and midwifery students to take a pregnancy test for a fee of 5,000 Ugandan shillings ($1.30).
“Failure to do so, you will not sit for UNMEB (Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Board) exams,” the memo threatened.
The matter was raised in parliament on Thursday, with speaker Anita Among describing the order as “very unfortunate”. She further argued that even younger pupils who had become pregnant were allowed to sit exams.
MP Sarah Opendi called on parliament to make sure that no other institution issued such a directive.
“This is total hogwash, discriminatory and unacceptable,” women’s rights activist Catherine Kyobutungi said on Twitter.
Frank Kaharuza Mugisha, deputy vice-chancellor at the university campus where the midwifery and nursing school is based, later announced that the directive had been rescinded.
“Please focus on getting ready for your exams. I wish you all the best in the forthcoming exams,” he said in a memo, without giving reasons for the initial order.
Kampala International University is a not-for-profit institution founded in 2001 and hosts more than 12,000 students from various parts of Africa, with campuses in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, according to its website.
– Agency Report