Makerere, Uganda, 11/12 - A male student died during a stampede, while six others were injured after Uganda police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of rioting Makerere University students Friday in Kampala, police spokesman Asuman Mugenyi confirmed here.
Three students were arrested during the riots, Mugenyi said.
Engaged in running battles with students around the university`s sprawling hill campus for much of the morning, the riot was quelled in the afternoon, leaving three cars burnt.
The students were protesting against the university`s sudden increase in tuition from 6,000 shillings (US$3) to 150,000 shillings (US $82) per single examination paper to be repeated after failing their traditional exams.
"The riot, which covered the entire university and its environs, was sparked off after failed negotiations with university authorities to reverse the charges," Mugenyi told PANA.
"One male student identified as Ibrahim Ssengendo, a first year student, was found laying unconscious after being stampeded by fellow students. He died on the way to Mulago Hospital," he said. "The six injured are hospitalised and are in stable condition."
He added: "We have arrested six people suspected to have masterminded the burning of the three cars. Three are students and three are not," Mugenyi said.
"On average, a student has four papers to repeat and at a cost of US$82, it means one has pay US$328. This is unfair and unacceptable," one student said.