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 afloat”.

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.”

Additional reporting by Musa Kimuli

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