Makerere power cut off
Oct 28, 2009
AS MAKERERE University struggles to clear a sh16b debt in domestic arrears, power company UMEME cut off electricity yesterday.
By Conan Businge
AS MAKERERE University struggles to clear a sh16b debt in domestic arrears, power company UMEME cut off electricity yesterday.
UMEME’s action has thrown the 83-year-old university into a blackout since yesterday morning.
A few units in the university are now being run on generators. All halls of residence and most faculties are without electricity. The cut-off comes at a time when students are about to start examinations.
The university spokesperson, Gilbert Kadilo, declined to comment on the matter.
The university is yet to pay sh499m to part-time lecturers, among other domestic debts. The university authorities say the debt was inevitable to keep the institution open. Incoming vice-chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba said the university “would gradually be brought afloatâ€.
Baryamureeba, whose appointment takes effect this Sunday, added: “It is not going to be easy to clear all the debts. It will require time and commitment to revamp our university.â€
Additional reporting by Musa Kimuli
AS MAKERERE University struggles to clear a sh16b debt in domestic arrears, power company UMEME cut off electricity yesterday.
UMEME’s action has thrown the 83-year-old university into a blackout since yesterday morning.
A few units in the university are now being run on generators. All halls of residence and most faculties are without electricity. The cut-off comes at a time when students are about to start examinations.
The university spokesperson, Gilbert Kadilo, declined to comment on the matter.
The university is yet to pay sh499m to part-time lecturers, among other domestic debts. The university authorities say the debt was inevitable to keep the institution open. Incoming vice-chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba said the university “would gradually be brought afloatâ€.
Baryamureeba, whose appointment takes effect this Sunday, added: “It is not going to be easy to clear all the debts. It will require time and commitment to revamp our university.â€
Additional reporting by Musa Kimuli