By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has relocated a section of businesses from its campus business village, citing a long-term rehabilitation plan.
On August 17, operators of printers, mobile money outlets, banking agents, and food stalls were asked to vacate the site at the Mukono campus. The university says the land will be redeveloped into modern commercial facilities.
Mr David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration said, “The university has a master plan showing where buildings should be located. In the past, we lacked the capacity to redevelop the area, but now we are ready to put up state-of-the-art infrastructure.”
He added that redevelopment will take place in phases, beginning with the area already cleared. A second phase will cover the space in front of C Block. The changes have seen most operators move to Wandegeya, just outside the university gate and traders say the higher rent and utility costs off campus will inevitably increase service prices.
“At UCU, we used to pay ground rent of about Shs100,000 plus Shs150,000 for electricity. Outside, rent alone is Shs160,000, and with other charges it comes to Shs260,000,” said Ivan Ssemyanga, chairperson of the former business village. He noted that the price of a coloured page could rise from Shs500 to Shs1,000, while black and white printing may increase from Shs100 to between Shs300 and Shs500.
Students have also expressed concerns about both cost and accessibility. “We will have to go outside campus for everything, which means spending more money, wasting time and risking our safety at night,” said Aisha Nalubega, a Social Work student.
Many of the operators felt that they had been evicted; however, Mr Mugawe said otherwise.
“Eviction is a negative connotation. The vendors were here legally; they had contracts and paid rent,” Mugawe said, adding that the contracts had ended and the former tenants will be welcome to apply for space once the new buildings are complete.
