By Catherine Asiimwe
Businesses are reaping big benefits from the change of location of the campus bazaar, this year. Formerly the bazaar happened at the old pitch, but now business operators have been allowed to pitch camp at the Guild Park.
This is to bring the items closer to the students, especially those who reside in halls of residence, and would find the Guild Park (located North of the University main gate) convenient and accessible.
“During the previous bazaar which was held at the small gate, I lost some of my merchandise because it was close to the old pitch,” said Eric Nsanja, one of the stall owners at the bazaar; he deals in phone accessories.
He explains saying that one of the soccer players kicked a ball that hit the stall where he put his fashion glasses for sale and destroyed them. He thanks the guild government for having changed the location, hence, reducing chances for such unforeseen losses.
“The business has been fair so far since the new location-guild Park is a safe and busy place, bringing better sales than the old pitch,” says Ronald Mwesigye, another stall operator.
The Lord Justice and Registrar of the Guild government, Ivan Arthur Ainebyoona, elaborated that the change of location was for the best interest of students. “The fact that the guild park is in between the classrooms and the dining hall makes it much busier. We found it more appropriate to bring it there,” he says.
Ainebyoona further added that said that students always use the small gate when rushing for classes and also when leaving campus for their hostels. This makes it difficult for them to purchase any merchandise.
However, some of the business people say the change of location has not added to their business. Hellen Namulindwa argues that students mostly come for window shopping and do not purchase anything.
The UCU bazaar week is usually dedicated to bringing services and products, which newly enrolled students are likely to need, closer to them. The bazaar, which is more of a student’s ‘market day’ is usually organized by the students’ guild.
