In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the local business community, Makerere University in Uganda is set to evict over 300 businesses operating within its campus. This decision, which has been met with mixed reactions, raises important questions about the intersection of education, commerce, and the challenges faced by both the university and the affected businesses.
Makerere University, one of Uganda’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, recently issued eviction notices to more than 300 businesses that have been operating on its premises for years. These businesses range from bookshops and stationery stores to eateries and internet cafes. The university administration cites various reasons for this action, including the need for space for academic expansion, safety concerns, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Mr Julius Gumisiriza, the chairperson of Makerere Universi- ty Business Owners, confirmed the planned eviction.
“The eviction has been kept a top secret by the university management, but we received information from our sources that they intend to come and evict everybody tomorrow (today),” he said in an interview yesterday.
Mr Gumisiriza said they filed a case before the Court of Appeal in connection with the matter
“We appealed after losing to the university last year. Our case is pending judgment,and we are scheduled to ap-
pear before the court on November 20. The university has ignored that and intends to apply force,” he said.
“For now, there is nothing we can do other than wait for their actions and we proceed to court,” he added
Makerere University has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including limited physical infrastructure, overcrowding, and the need to modernize its facilities to meet the evolving demands of higher education. The decision to evict businesses from its premises is seen as a strategic move to address some of these pressing issues.
