They say every cloud has a silver lining. That holds true meaning for Bugujju trading Centre opposite Uganda Christian University's Technology Park.

Despite being dirty and filthy, it is the most pocket friendly place around UCU campus.

The stench of rotting garbage, a sight of fresh Rolex (egg with chapatti), maize and students dashing for the eats welcome you to this village.

If you are a stranger, you may not stay in Bugujju because of the stench. But the commodities’ prices may draw you back.

Bugujju's friendly prices attract many students residing as far as Kauga and Mukono town.

Food in Bugujju is as cheap as sh500, a plate of beans, rice and posho. The cheap food can be found at Maama Namutebi's restaurant and other sharks.

"Namutebi's food is nice. Ever since I left the university halls in first year, I have been her customer and I will remain one until I leave UCU," Anatori Arinaitwe says.

Arinaitwe adds that he pays sh80, 000 for food in a semester unlike in other restaurants where students pay sh150, 000 or more.

"I sell this food cheaply because of the growing competition and in most cases, I get matooke, beans, cassava and g-nut stew from my garden" said Namutebi.

It's common to meet students munch maize as they walk along the roadsides.

In Bugujju, business starts as early as 5:00am and goes up to midnight. For the bars, it's a different story. From Friday until Sunday many of them operate 24 hours.

The support of UCU Law students is officially recognised in Bugujju. One of the bars in the trading centre is branded "Law Society". This is a common joint for the law students.

"I respect lawyers.  They have given me support. I decided to name this joint 'Law society'," said Ahamed Kabusu, the bar owner.

The prices in Bugujju continue to be consumer friendly even when commodity prices in the country are skyrocketing. A kilo of pork goes for sh2800 yet in other places, it costs sh3200. A kikomando " chapatti and beans" goes for sh400 compared to sh600 in other places. A Rolex goes for sh500 yet in other places it's sh700. A pot of kwete (local brew) goes for as cheap as sh100 unlike sh200 in other places.

"I add ingredients in my Rolex, that makes it delicious yet its cheap compared to others," said Kasapu, a famous Rolex vendor in Bugujju.

I tried to ask him the type of ingredients he uses, but he refused saying it's his secret.

Due to the mushrooming number of UCU students, business is not only for adults. One is likely to meet an 8-year-old peddling mangoes around. On the other side you will find a 40-year-old also peddling roasted g-nuts and simsim.

Bugujju village is also pocket friendly on the side of accommodation. The rooms are cheap compared to hostels. A single room with electricity goes for sh15,000 a month, yet in hostels and other places it’s sh25,000 and above. UCU students are the dominant tenants in Bugujju amidst the hustle and bustle they go through.

Joel Otim a BBA student says those who say that accommodation around campus is expensive, haven't tried Bugujju.

"It's cheaper to rent in Bugujju. You save money, which helps you do academic work; photocopying handouts, and printing coursework.

For the landlords in Bugujju, it's good news.

"Students pay you at once. That is why you see that all my rooms are occupied by students. I can no longer struggle for food. I have money to buy it and pay tuition for my daughter in Makerere University," narrates Mwami a landlord. You can tell from his chubby chicks that he is well off.

But If you are to rent these houses, you should be able to handle the smelly latrines, dirty bathrooms and noise from kids running around.

During rainy seasons, Bugujju village is always soggy. This brings a chocking stench. If you have a stomach upset, you can easily vomit. During sunny seasons, the place is full of dust which causes cough and flue among residents.

If you have been wondering why students prefer staying in Bugujju, hope you get it now.

Shedruch Mwesigye
Bachelor of Mass Communication year 2