By Sulphine Mbambu Bonabana
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) bazaar commenced on September 9, attracting a range of vendors, from multinational conglomerates and local businesses to enterprising students. The event, held within the university grounds, offers a unique platform for business owners and students to showcase their products and services to the university community.
Organised by the UCU Guild Government, the bazaar is an initiative aimed at providing students with easy access to essential goods and services while fostering entrepreneurial growth. The convenience of having the bazaar on campus means that students no longer need to leave the university environment to purchase basic necessities.
Hillary Nuwahereza, UCU’s Minister of Internal Affairs, emphasized the importance of the bazaar for the student body. “The bazaar is primarily for the benefit of students. It not only brings services closer to them at affordable prices but also helps them develop and sharpen their entrepreneurial skills,” he said.
Nuwahereza added that the bazaar also helps the university strengthen its connection with the surrounding community. “By inviting various companies to participate, UCU builds its brand and extends its influence beyond campus borders, fostering strong community ties,” he noted.
The bazaar is also proving to be a valuable platform for students with a keen interest in entrepreneurship. Some students have set up stalls, taking advantage of the opportunity to develop their business acumen in a practical setting.
One such student is Mildred Nakazzi, a Human Nutrition major. She is using the bazaar as a stepping stone to start her own business, an ambition she hopes to continue after graduation. “If you have a little start, it’s better than starting from scratch,” Nakazzi said, reflecting on the advantages of launching her venture early.
The variety of stalls at the bazaar ensures that there is something for everyone, from food and clothing to technology and beauty products. The range of businesses participating also means that students can find goods and services that meet their needs, while also supporting their peers who are running these small ventures.
