Students from Makerere University Business School on Friday conducted a cleaning exercise at Bugolobi Market, sweeping and clearing waste around the busy trading area as part of efforts to promote health, hygiene and community development.
The activity was led by students under the Makerere University Entrepreneurship Students Association in partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority and market vendors.
Together, they cleaned stalls, drainage channels and the surrounding market environment.
Rwogamu Hagayi, the association leader, said the initiative is part of a series of outreach activities the group has carried out in various markets across Kampala.
He said the goal is not only to contribute to community well-being but also to deepen collaboration between entrepreneurship students and the business community.
Hagayi said their research indicates that many Ugandans start businesses but fail within a short period because of limited entrepreneurial and managerial skills.
He said this has motivated the students to work closely with government agencies and communities to champion entrepreneurship as a tool for fighting poverty and unemployment.
“We want to ensure that students and market vendors learn from each other. Practical engagement helps us understand the challenges businesses face and how we can innovate to address them,” Hagayi said.
Dr. Christopher Kusemererwa, a lecturer at MUBS, said the initiative equips students with hands-on experience vital for starting and sustaining successful enterprises.
He said such exposure reduces dependency on formal employment and encourages a mindset of self-reliance among graduates.
Another supervising lecturer, Maureen Mukoda, said learning extends beyond the classroom. She said real-world interaction enables students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop creativity and understand the dynamics of operating small and medium enterprises.
The chairperson of Bugolobi Market, Juliet Mbabazi, commended the students for their dedication and said the market community benefits from such collaborations.
She said the exercise improves cleanliness and strengthens the relationship between markets and educational institutions.
After the cleaning exercise, the students held an engagement session with market vendors, discussing entrepreneurship, business growth and best practices for sustainability.