Makerere University has started the eviction of vendors within the university amidst concerns from students.
The eviction started on Friday November 10th, 2023 after the university releasing funds to facilitate the process a day earlier. By the end of it, all ‘illegal’ businesses will be no more in Makerere University.
Among the affected are operators of canteens within the different halls of residence, owners of printing kiosks and roadside vendors that have been selling a few products to students such as sweets and books in order to earn a living.
The eviction that had to start two months back was delayed as the office of estates at Makerere awaited funds from the institution to facilitate the eviction process.
Makerere University council passed a resolution to evict vendors last year and the implementation of the resolution has been pending as the affected vendors sought remedy from court.
The affected vendors dragged Makerere to court last year and we’re able to secure an injunction to stop the process. The eviction was then paused only to resume this year.
Concerns
Makerere University guild president Maseruka Robert wrote to the vice chancellor last month demanding for the halt of the eviction till alternatives are put in place.
Maseruka argued that students will have to struggle to purchase edibles and other basic materials from outside campus if the vendors are evicted.
He also claimed that some of the vendors such as canteen operators had been giving food items to students on loan whenever they are out of cash which they may not be able to get from shops outside the university premises.
