Small business operators to face eviction in Makerere University

By Our Reporter

26^th Sept 2023

Small business operators at Makerere University are under increasing tension and anxiety as the university management moves closer to evicting them.

The looming eviction, initiated by the university management in July 2022, has cast a shadow over businesses including photocopy and stationery shops, food stalls, restaurants, canteens, hair salons, mobile money kiosks, and more.

The anxiety among the business proprietors was exacerbated when they lost a suit against the university regarding the eviction decision.

This case, which had been pending since July last year, was decided on August 18, 2023, by Justice Boniface Wamala  In his judgment, Justice against those who claimed to have running contracts to work from the University.

Following the dismissal of the suit, the Estates and Works Acting Director sent a letter in August 2023 to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Henry Arinaitwe requesting Shillings 20,200,000 to facilitate the eviction process.

In the letter, the estates’ department explained that the eviction, originally scheduled for Monday, would be carried out in one day by eight teams of 20 laborers.

The requested funds were intended to cover various expenses associated with the eviction.

Julius Gumisiriza, the chairperson of Makerere University Business Owners, revealed that while they had not received official notice of the eviction starting on Monday, they had learned about it through unofficial channels.

He added that despite losing the initial case, there is an ongoing case in the court of appeal expected to be decided in November.

However, when our reporter conducted an investigation around the university, it was observed that various canteens, printers, and other businesses were still operational.

Makerere University Guild President, Robert Maseruka asserted that students directly benefit from these businesses and that evicting them without providing solutions would be a disservice.